Self-care is a vital part of maintaining your mental health. However, it is always overlooked. Sometimes, people do not even realize that they need it. Often it looks like, “well everything is fine the way it is. I don’t need to take any time for myself because I am too busy.” Here are a few tips or self-care practices that you can incorporate into your daily or weekly routines.
Remember that you cannot fill up anyone else glass if yours is empty.
Tips
Acknowledge the need for self-care before you approach burn-out. This is about making yourself and your mental health a priority. You are just as important as the tasks on your to-do list.
Schedule it. This may be an important tip if you have a busy schedule. Set a daily time where you have nothing on your schedule but time for yourself. Whatever meeting you have that day can be pushed back 30 minutes so that you can focus on your mental health.
Find a self-care practice that works for you. Look, I am going to be honest. Not all self-care practices are one size fit all. Some people are into meditation. Some are into getting a manicure or massage once a week. Make the practice fit with who you are and what you need for yourself. Sometimes, it’s okay to just treat yourself!
Practices
Meditation: Take a few minutes out of your day to do some deep breaths or do a complete body scan. Check-in with every part of your body.
Work out: Working out is a natural de-stresser because it gives you time to let out some of those pent-up aggressions. It is also positive to focus on your physical health.
Find a self-soothing activity: This is similar to the security blanket you had when you were a child. Find something that is soothing to your soul even if it sounds a little silly. Give yourself a hug, you deserve it.
Treat yourself: Give yourself a spa day every now and then. Have that piece of chocolate cake. It is okay to let yourself enjoy something extravagant every now and then.
Play with your pets: Having a pet is calming because it gives you a rush of contentment through the influx of oxytocin, or “the love neurotransmitter”.
Smell the roses: Take a walk and get some sunlight. Take some time to really enjoy the outdoors. Smell some flowers or appreciate the beauty of a duck on a pond for a few minutes.
Have a good laugh: Watch a funny television show, listen to a comedy podcast, or read a funny book. Laughter sometimes is the best medicine.
Please reach out to Amy Wine Counseling Center if you have any questions about our therapeutic services or would like to schedule an appointment.
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