18 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2018 Need a new self-care mantra? Try “put your own oxygen mask on first.” This means purposely putting yourself first on your mile-long to-do list—even if you’re busy and especially if you are part of the “sandwich generation” sandwiched between caring for your kids and parents. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s or beyond, you can feel healthy, look great and live your best life right now. But it all starts with making intentional choices that bolster your physical, social and emotional well-being. “Self-care is imperative to our emotional and physical health. Without it, we're doomed to experience the negative effects of stress. Just as we try to limit our sugar or alcohol intake, we need to limit stress or at least take breaks from it! Self-care helps prevent the nasty symptoms of  chronic stress. Self-care is not selfish. We are better caregivers when we practice self- care,” explains Deborah Dobbs, MA, Executive Director of The Counseling Place, a nonprofit agency providing affordable, professional and education services. Jumpstart the self-care process with these ideas: PAMPER YOURSELF No need to hope someone gives you a spa gift card for your birthday. Pamper yourself all year long. Buy some new nail color. Indulge in a facial or exfoliation treatment. Schedule an appointment for a hot stone massage. Sprinkle essential oils into a warm bath for a mood-booster. Treat yourself to some new lingerie. Take time for relaxing and creative hobbies, such as reading, painting or gardening. And try to get eight hours of sleep every night. CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS If you’re too busy to spend time with family and friends, that’s a sign your life is out of balance. Make time to meet friends for drinks. Invite neighbors over for a potluck dinner or a wine and cheese party. Skip the texts and call a long-distance friend. If it helps, schedule social engagements on your calendar just like regular appointments. Make every Friday “date night” for you and your spouse, schedule coffee dates with your mom, or put a weekly game night on your family calendar. Feeling good at any age starts with the right mindset. By making positive, intentional choices that nourish body, mind and soul, you can design a life that brings out your best you. And, most importantly, you need to make yourself a priority. FRESHEN YOUR LOOK You can look and feel good at every age by tapping into your personal style, knowing what flatters you best and adapting to current trends. Get style-inspired by flipping through current fashion magazines. Try a trendy new lip color. Hire a stylist or image consultant for expert advice. Watch a make-up tutorial on YouTube to master a new technique. Test out a different hairstyle or new color for a fresh look. REFRESH YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE You might already exercise sporadically, but you need to do it more consistently. Or maybe you’ve got a regular routine, but by Lisa A. Beach Designing YOUR BEST YOU by (gasp!)PuttingYourself First Regional Skin and Laser Center, supervised by the board certified plastic surgeons of the Regional Plastic Surgery Center, offers non- invasive procedures including laser hair removal and varicose vein and spider vein treatments. www.regionalskinlaser.com The Artists’ Showplace offers workshops in various media, including oil painting and photography. Richland College continuing education programs offer classes for any interests, including art, sports and fitness, and foreign languages.