What does self care mean?

Anything that you can do yourself to improve or influence your own health and wellbeing.

This includes what you choose to eat and drink, how active you are, and when it comes to mental health in particular, it also includes how you interact with others.

If you’re able to treat yourself or family members when one of you has a cold, a graze, a bite or sting, that’s self care. If you regularly take medication for a particular condition, keeping on top of that medication and your prescriptions, as well as any vaccinations you might need, is also self care.

A well-stocked medicine cabinet can make a huge difference to your life if you or someone at home is feeling poorly or has suffered a minor injury.

Having the right things at home for a range of eventualities can make the difference between speedy treatment and having to leave home to find a pharmacy.

By taking more control over your own health and knowing where to turn for help and advice you will be able to get your problem sorted more quickly and get back to health faster.