When times get tough, there are a number of ways to respond in order to cope with the difficulties we are often faced with. The most obvious may be seeking professional help in the form of a counselor or therapist. This may be the most reliable way to ensure that you’re acting in your own best interest. However, alongside of getting help from a professional source, it can also be very helpful to take responsibility in certain other ways to act in your best interest, and this is what we refer to as self-care.

Using a holistic approach, it’s important to give attention to healthy practices in all areas of your life. According to authors Steffens and Means (2009), you can create a buffer between yourself and the difficult times you’re experiencing by practicing self-care. The following are five broad areas of self-care, along with suggestions of activities or actions in each category.

• Physical: Pay attention to a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, exercise, attending to medical needs, including medication if indicated; practice healthy ways of dealing with stress.

• Behavioral: Focus on healthy work habits, responsible spending, enjoying a hobby, experiencing fellowship with others.

• Relational: Take time to connect with others with whom you feel safe and comfortable sharing and talking; be available to children and other close family members; socialize in a healthy way.

• Personal: Strive for serenity; recognize the possibility of depression or anxiety and seek medical care if needed; become aware of feelings and needs; seek counseling to address emotional needs. Use journaling as a method of processing your thoughts, concerns, feelings, etc.

• Spiritual: Take time for prayer, personal devotionals, corporate worship, deepening spirituality.

Please reach out to us at Capstone Center for Counseling and Coaching at www.capstoneatlanta.com as needed for professional counseling.



Steffens, B. and Means, M. (2009).Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners

Can Cope and Heal, New Horizon Press: Far Hills, NJ.