Self-Care Starts with Others (Part 2)

Self-Care and Social Networks: More Than Just Healthy Living

Self-care is a hot topic right now, especially in the healthcare and social services sectors. We often think of healthy eating, exercise, or setting boundaries. But true self-care goes much further than that.

Your physical and mental health are closely linked to your social well-being—the support you receive from the people around you. Research shows that this support is an important protective factor. Yet we still invest very little in it.

My Experience: Why Support from Your Network Is Indispensable

In 2022, I changed course. After more than 20 years, I stepped down from my familiar role as director/executive and chose to focus entirely on the topic of social networks. It felt liberating, but also exciting. From one day to the next, I was at home: no colleagues, no meetings, no administrative issues. Just me, my MLM program, and the digital MLM-tool —still under development. It would take another 2.5 years before it became a reality.

Those 2.5 years were intense. All of a sudden, I realized how quickly you can be left to fend for yourself. Fortunately, I had my small but close-knit network of family and friends. Without them, I would never have gotten through that time. Their trust and support were my foundation. Thank you, thank you, dear, dear people!

Quick question:

• Who were the people you couldn’t have done without during a time of change or stress?

• Who supported you and helped you move forward?

Social Support and Health: What Research Tells Us

Scientific research also confirms the power of social support:

• It protects against stress, depression, and anxiety.

• For older adults, a strong social network reduces the risk of loneliness or feelings of sadness when they experience physical problems.

• People with chronic conditions take better care of themselves when their support network provides them with emotional and practical support.

In short: Your network isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.

Involve your client's network

In practice, many clients feel like they’re on their own. Yet often, their network doesn’t need to be “fixed.” It’s usually already there—whether visible or invisible.

Question:

• How often do you actually map out your clients’ networks with them?

• Do you focus mainly on what's missing, or also on the support that's already there?

• What would happen if you started your next conversation by asking, “Who do you know?”

Strengthening Self-Care with the MLM-tool

The " MLM-tool " offers a structured way to map out social networks. This helps clients discover who is close to them, who can provide support, and where new opportunities lie. For professionals, it is a powerful tool for providing sustainable and effective support.

Self-care starts with others—who do I know?

Self-care isn't just something you do on your own. It's embedded in relationships and networks. That's exactly where the strength to stay healthy, resilient, and connected lies.

As a professional, would you like to discover how you can put this into practice in your work?

• Take a training session with the MLM-tool and learn how to use it in just one day.

• Or come get to know us first during our free introductory morning.

Would you rather give me a quick call? Go ahead—my number is: 06-30359570. (If I don't answer, just leave a message and I'll call you back!)

Because good self-care starts with others—and with the question: Who do I know?

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