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GAMBIT
Self Care
Recharge. Relax. Reconnect.
Dr. Alisha Reed has been a licensed pharmacist for almost two decades and has seen first-hand how self-
Be Good To Yourself BY D R . A LI S H A R E E D
M
ay is National Mental Health Awareness Month and one of the best ways to take care of your mental health is with self-care. When most people think of self-care, spa days, exercise, and beauty routines are all popular options, however self-care is much more than that. Self-care is health care. As a pharmacist for almost two decades, I have seen firsthand how self-care can impact a community. Self-care is essential. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity — yet there are so many misconceptions about what self-care truly is.
care impacts health in the community. She is a widow mom who
MYTH #1:
believes that self-care is non-nego-
Self-care is selfish.
tiable and is determined to break
The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” Yet somewhere along the line, taking care of oneself became synonymous with being selfish. The truth is that in order to be in the best position possible to help someone else, you need to be at your best. Even the flight attendant says, “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.” Self-care is doing whatever you need to do make yourself feel like you again. That means making yourself a priority, whether it is scheduling a physical, getting a vaccine, going to a yoga class, getting a new haircut or finding a therapist. This may include taking advantage of community-wide screenings and health fairs PAGE 20
the generational curse that “strong women don’t take breaks.” Self-care has become such a buzzword, but the truth is that self-care is whatever you need it to be.
Dr. Reed is the creator of the lifestyle brand FLY with Alisha Reed. She also moderates a widow support group and hosts The Fly Widow Podcast. For more self-care resources, visit dralishareed.com.