Meredith Mills, president and CEO of Country Meadows Retirement Communities, has announced the creation of the "Be Kind to Yourself" initiative to support those who have dedicated their careers to making life better for senior residents.

The "Be Kind to Yourself" initiative aims to bring awareness to the importance of self-care for mental health. During the month of April, Country Meadows and its not-for-profit sister community, Ecumenical Retirement Community in Harrisburg, will offer tips and activities for co-workers to support their well-being and help prevent burnout.

Mills is one of six company experts who will share their best self-care tips. An avid potter, Mills advocates for enjoying a hobby or passion. In addition to being relaxing, hobbies also can provide time for reflection and a sense of purpose. Other tips will focus on sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity and giving oneself grace.

Country Meadows and Ecumenical are displaying murals where co-workers can take a break, catch their breath and color. Coloring may help people to increase mindfulness and relieve stress.

The campuses are making the "Be Kind to Yourself" theme their own by organizing their campus initiatives. In addition to purposeful kindness projects residents and staff members create for the campus and community, they are setting up programs such as a compliment board, Kindness Awards, a Buy Nothing Yard Sale Day and a Be Kind to Yourself relaxation room.

Last April, Country Meadows and Ecumenical launched their line of feel-good T-shirts, named for their extra-soft fabric and positive message. A total of 15% of proceeds supports the Co-worker Foundation. This year's shirt comes in two colors emblazoned with flowers and the "Be Kind to Yourself Because You Matter" mantra. Last year, nearly $800 was raised by T-shirt sales for the foundation, which provides grants to team members who have experienced emergencies.

Ongoing co-worker wellness supports offered by Country Meadows include an employee assistance program, wellness reimbursement, preventive care medical visits and a paid day off called a Personal Day of Meaning.

Mills, the granddaughter of Country Meadows founders Pennsylvania Gov. George M. Leader and his wife, Mary Jane, is the third generation to carry on the family legacy of compassion, supporting mental health and wellness.

Before beginning the family's journey into senior care, George was known for his commitment to human welfare. He worked to reform state mental health hospitals to provide better, more compassionate care. During his administration, the Pennsylvania State Office of Aging was established, and licensure standards for practical nurses and an inspection program for skilled nursing facilities to ensure the safety and rights of residents were enacted. Mary Jane was well-known for her kind, generous spirit. She encouraged everyone to perform random acts of kindness and was dedicated to purposeful service.

For more information about Country Meadows Retirement Communities, visit http://www.countrymeadows.com.