Identify the problem(s). Taking care of oneself first requires knowing the difference between good and bad habits, which is not always obvious. For example, a person with a smoking habit is unlikely to quit if they feel the relaxing sensation that comes from the nicotine intake is worth the health risk. Adults should speak with close friends, family and even a psychologist (if necessary) to identify what personal habits require attention.
Develop practical solutions to the problem. For example, an adult with a habit of falling into depression should seek a concrete method of preventing the problem. The adult could reach out to friends or family if she feels herself becoming depressed, if that has proven to help in the past. Developing practical solutions to problems also requires anticipating problems in advance. According to scientist Ray Kurzweil and doctor Terry Grossman, this often means taking key preventative measures to protect your feeling of contentment on a mental, physical and spiritual level.
Motivate and inspire the adults to care for themselves. The phrase "you can take a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" is relevant here. If an adult isn't motivated to care for himself or recognize his problems, the corresponding solutions will have little practical value. Motivating and inspiring others requires knowing their values and appealing to those values to justify why you believe they should act a certain way.