Self-care can help you manage stress and prevent small problems from turning into big ones. It can also support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental health condition.
When people hear the term “self-care,” they often think of things like taking a bubble bath or treating themselves to a massage. But effective self-care is actually a series of micro habits that can help you stay mentally healthy.
1. Get Active
Caregivers who focus on their mental and physical health are better equipped to handle the ups and downs of their loved ones’ challenges. They can more easily adapt to changes, build healthy relationships and recover from setbacks.
Moving more often can boost your mood and help you stay healthier, physically and mentally. Adding even small activities, like taking a ten-minute walk during your lunch break or doing a few stretches before work, can have big benefits.
Listening to a podcast or engaging in a hobby can also be fulfilling ways to move your body and stimulate the mind. Just make sure whatever you choose to do isn’t draining. Aim for things that bring you joy, rather than stress, satisfaction or anxiety. Then, stick with it!
2. Do Something You Love
There’s a reason the old saying is “put on your own oxygen mask before helping others”: to be mentally healthy, it’s important to take care of yourself. That means doing things you enjoy, like eating well and getting enough sleep.
Whether it’s making time to dance or going on a hike, finding a hobby is one of the best ways to improve mental health. It boosts happiness and helps you ward off depression.
And if you can’t find the time to get away from it all, try something as simple as opening the blinds first thing in the morning, a practice that can lower your stress levels by balancing cortisol. It can also help you feel more awake and productive throughout the day. Moreover, you’ll brighten someone else’s day – another form of self-care that can make you happy.
3. Take Time Off Work
Taking time off work is important for mental health. Whether it’s for a day of rest or to spend time with family, it can help people feel happier and healthier.
It’s also important to take a break from the daily news cycle and social media. This can be difficult for people who love to follow current events, but it’s necessary in order to stay mentally healthy.
Some workers are hesitant to take mental health days because they fear they’ll be perceived as weak or incapable of handling daily stressors. However, business owners should be open to their employees’ needs and encourage them to take the time off they need. Ultimately, this will lead to better employee performance and a more positive workplace culture.
4. Set Boundaries
For those who are people-pleasers, establishing boundaries can be very challenging. However, if you find yourself repeatedly feeling overwhelmed and worn out by saying “yes” to too many things, it is likely time to set some healthy boundaries.
Healthy boundaries are a crucial component of mental health and help prevent burnout, stress, and resentment. They can be established and communicated in a variety of ways, including identifying needs, communicating assertively, prioritizing self care, and avoiding people/situations that drain energy.
Setting and enforcing boundaries can be uncomfortable, so it is important to start small and work your way up. It may also be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings before having a conversation with someone about setting a boundary. It is also important to reinforce the boundary after it has been established.
5. Talk to Someone
Whether it’s a friend or family member, telling someone else your thoughts and feelings is another great way to help improve your mental health. It may be uncomfortable, but if the person is close to you and you trust them, it will be much easier for them to understand what you’re going through.
If you’re not comfortable sharing with others, writing it all down is also a good option. Writing can help you identify the root cause of your negative self-talk, and it will also allow you to turn it around into more positive thinking.
There are many things you can do to take care of your mental health, but the most important thing is that you do it. Taking the time for yourself will lead to improved physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, no matter what challenges you’re facing.