Self-care refers to taking time to do things that improves physical and mental health. Common self-care practices include eating healthily, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep and exercise. According to the National Institutes of Health, meaningful social connections also contribute to self-care in terms of overall health, happiness, well-being, and quality of life. When committed to strengthening social connections, you are better able to support, maintain, and/or improve the life quality for yourself, family, and community.

The Todd County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences taught “Self-Care: Strengthening Social Connections” as an Extension Homemaker leader training to 7 counties in the Pennyrile Area. Fifty-one people attended in person or Zoom classes. Some of the participants served as lesson leaders and taught the lesson back to their fellow extension homemaker club members.

A total of 80 evaluations were completed and returned to the Todd County Extension Office. When asked their intentions, 98% said they will make social self-care a priority; 100% planned to seek opportunities to enhance their relationships; 94% reported they will become more active in their community. Sixty-six percent of the participants increased their knowledge about how social connections are important for overall health and well-being and 57% learned more about enhancing relationships with others.  .

When asked what they will do as a result of attending the lesson, some of the comments included:

• I will try to have more outings with others instead of just going by myself.
• Make an effort to speak to people and get to know them.
• I will try to draw out people that may need friends that I can invite to become Homemaker members.
• Recognizing areas I definitely need to improve. I am member of other groups but fail to connect with those members. I tend to stay to myself.
• Keep smiling. Say hello and listen to someone if that makes then start talking. Keep texting someone that has isolated themselves, invite someone new to the club.

One participant said, “Made me realize just how disconnected and socially isolated a close relative has become.”