It's a well-known fact that our health is our most valuable asset, and taking care of it is essential to our well-being. Explore our tips for taking better care of yourself.

1. Eat healthy.

• Follow the recommendations of Canada’s Food Guide.
• Keep healthy snacks at hand to alleviate cravings (raw vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt or low-fat cheese, etc.).
• Chew your food well and rediscover the pleasure of eating slowly.
• Eat together as a family whenever possible.
• If you work long hours, set aside some time to eat well.
• Discover healthy new recipes.

2. Stay physically active.

• If you have to work a lot, set aside some time to exercise or to practise a sport. This will really help to maintain your physical and mental health.
• If you are at home, add a daily physical activity to your schedule.
• Reconnect with a sport that you haven’t done in a while (walking, yoga, cycling, etc.).
• Outdoor activities will not only get you moving, they'll also provide you with fresh air.
• Consider purchasing equipment to exercise indoors (treadmill, stationary bicycle, etc.).

3. Establish a sleep routine.

• If you work from home or are off work and feel like it, you can take naps. Make sure they don’t exceed 90 minutes, and take them before 3:00 p.m., so they don’t interfere with your nighttime sleep.
• Try to go to bed and to get up at about the same time every day.
• Review your bedtime routine.
  • Reduce electronic device use, caffeine, alcohol and professional activities, or any other stimulating activities at least two hours before you go to bed.
  • Choose relaxing activities like reading, meditating, listening to soft music, taking a bath, doing a puzzle, etc.

4. Quit smoking

• Speak to your pharmacist for help in this process. Among other things, they could prescribe nicotine replacement therapy (e.g., chewing gum, lozenges, patches, etc.) or a prescription drug, such as varenicline or bupropion, to help you quit.
• Find out more. Visit the Tobacco-Free Quebec
• Find activities that can help you manage your cravings: walk, knit, read, play Sudoku, play sports, etc.
• Talk to your friends and family, who can support you in your efforts.

5. Take care of your mental health on a daily basis

• Learn to better manage stress
• Live in the moment (“in the here and now”). Don’t dwell on the past and don’t project yourself in the future. Avoid brooding and anticipation.
• Provide daily acts of kindness (taking care of others). A kind thought or attention, a small gift, a pleasant surprise, a meal lovingly prepared, etc. It has been scientifically proven that taking care of others promotes mental health.
• Limit the use of electronic devices. Discover new hobbies!
• Focus on creativity and learning. Do you like to draw, paint, do crafts, play music or write? Would you like to learn a new language or play a musical instrument? It’s never too late to broaden your horizons.

Speak to your pharmacist for additional advice about how to maintain health.