Get your questions answered here Source is a place for Palm Beach County residents and experts to connect and exchange information

How do I get motivated mentally and physically for self-care? K.M.

Ideally, I believe self-care should be something that fits into one’s life naturally and with some ease. Often it can feel like just another thing on a “to-do list” which can then end up being another stressor to handle which is in opposition to the intention of self-care.

So where to begin?

Start by listing things that you’re already doing that provide you with self-care. That could be your showering routine, the first delicious drink you have in the morning or what you do to wind down in the evening before bedtime.

After you identify what you’re already doing for self-care, you can decide what (if any!) 1-2 things you want to add that help fuel you. Be gentle with yourself through the process.

- Alexandra T. Cunningham

What causes mental health problems? J.A.

Huge, huge problem all over the world. Every human being is different. From my experience, till now I was okay, not forgetting anything, but now I’m 86 going 87 and my memory is failing, too often. I keep forgetting what I have to do. My brain dries up! My brain shrinks, like everything else. Hopefully, in future generations, there will be medical advances to help, but for now just keeping my mind busy.

- Mordecai Samels

Excellent question with a complex answer! Most researchers and clinicians agree that mental health problems are caused by a combination of biological (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors. Some people spend time arguing about which category is more influential, but what we’re discovering more and more is that both are key ingredients to understanding the recipe that makes up one’s mental health!

For example, if a parent experiences anxiety their child is more likely to also experience anxiety.

This is due to both the fact that:

1) their genetic make-up is at least 50% from that parent

2) that living with someone with anxi- ety can be a naturally anxiety-provoking environment for the child.

It’s helpful to learn about and acknowledge both to help people navigate their mental health issues with success in their lives.

- Alexandra T. Cunningham

What advice do you have about handling the pressure of aging gracefully especially when you’re in the beauty industry? E.T.

When you get real old, like my age, you have to be very careful with your body and your mind. How you’re walking, how you’re going! Even the smallest level in the floor can make you break a leg very easily. You have to be very careful with your life! If you’re not careful, sometimes you suffer. But sitting home and watching TV all day? Bad! This is terrible. Go out, have fun, live your life!

- Mordecai Samels