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The need for self care
Self care is all about putting your health and happiness at the top of your to-do list. With all the hustle and bustle in our daily routines, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves the proper way. Engaging in activities that cater to our physical, mental, and emotional health is what self-care is all about.
This World Mental Health Day, we’ve put together a list of things to help prioritize physical, mental, and emotional health. These are just a few ideas, and every person is different, so it’s important to take the time to discover what truly rejuvenates and refreshes you personally.
1. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises or guided meditation, can help manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is meant to help you pay attention to what’s going on in the moment in a purposeful way. It’s about noticing a thought and watching it float away, recognizing that fleeting thoughts do not control you. It’s about grounding yourself in more concrete things and focusing on what’s happening now, versus what’s happened in the past or what might happen in the future. This is how it can help with managing anxiety. Making time for mindful techniques, even just a few minutes at the end, or beginning, of your day can make a big difference to your mental and emotional health.
2. Digital detox
Think about taking a much-needed break from technology. Spending hours scrolling on social media or using your smartphone too much can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Set a specific amount of time each day to take a break from technology, and try doing the other things on this list.
3. Journaling
Journaling is an excellent way to practice self care, manage feelings, and de-stress after a long day at work. Every day, try writing down how you are feeling, your emotions, and what the day was like for you. You can also use prompts to get you thinking. Whether it is brain-dumping or brainstorming, writing thoughts on paper is highly effective. Some people also use their journals to practice daily gratitude, to remind themselves of the good things on a bad day.
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4. Aromatherapy
Essential oils can be used to ease stress and promote relaxation. Consider putting a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil in your bath as a step of self care today. You can also put a few drops on the corners of your pillow to enjoy a relaxed sleep.
5. Connect with nature
Being outside in nature can help you feel calmer and grounded. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity, and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, so whether you’re hiking, strolling through a park, or just sitting outside, connecting with nature is a great way to practice self care. It can help reduce depression and feelings of anxiety.
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6. Do activities that you enjoy
Try to be consistent with your self care, and continue doing the activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable, such as cooking for yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Having a regular routine with activities that make you feel happy will help you maintain good mental health.
7. Connect with friends and family
This is another great way to reduce stress and even improve mental health. We are social beings and thrive on the connection, support, love, and belonging that friends, family, and our communities bring to us. Studies show that people who feel connected to others are less likely to feel anxiety or sadness, and often feel increased happiness. They can provide essential social support, which is vital for emotional well-being. Share your experiences openly and don’t hesitate to express what troubles you.
Remember, if you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy and counseling can offer invaluable support and guidance. After all, doing what’s best for you is what self care is all about.
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