4 pillars of self-care for stress, anxiety, depression and grief

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Advancements in medicine, science and technology have had tremendous impacts on improved patient outcomes, and yet, certain conditions remain particularly challenging to treat, notes Dr. Jan Patterson in the introduction to the new book, Breath for the Soul: Self-Care Steps to Wellness.

“Many times, there’s a need for something more,” she said. “In my training with integrative medicine, I’ve learned that there are simple yet effective things that we can do with our breath, movement, nutrition, spirit and mindfulness to help ourselves.”

For the book, Dr. Patterson teamed up with award-winning author Phyllis Clark Nichols to create an evidence-based, body and soul approach to self-care.

Breath for the Soul is organized into four sections that address stress, anxiety, depression and grief — conditions everyone will encounter at some point in life. Then, the authors discuss how breath, movement, nutrition, and spirituality and mindfulness can be incorporated to ease the symptoms.

Dr. Patterson is a cancer survivor, bereaved parent, and an integrative medicine and infectious disease doctor who has practiced and taught medicine for 30 years. Nichols is also no stranger to suffering and has been the caregiver to her husband for 10 years through three battles with cancer.

“You are a soul, a complex person, a total self, needing nurture and care,” Nichols added. “Breath for the Soul is a full toolkit of evidence-based information, inspiring stories, trusted resources, healthy recipes and a simple plan to give you control over your self-care. Empower yourself with these simple tools using an innovative approach. Put yourself on the path to health, wellness and wholeness.”