Taking care of your mental health is more than just scheduling a bubble bath or a day off. It’s a daily practice that will help you keep your mood and energy levels up.
Self-care looks different for everyone. Here are some of the best tips for a healthy mindset: 1. Exercise.
1. Exercise
Just like the advice you hear on airplanes to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others, taking care of yourself is essential for positive mental health. With healthy habits, you’ll be better equipped to cope with daily stressors and develop strong relationships.
Creating a self-care routine that brings you joy helps boost your mood, which in turn can make it easier to manage mild symptoms and emotional reactions. However, self-care looks different for everyone. It may include activities you find relaxing, a new hobby, or even just enjoying a good cup of coffee and some music.
Try taking a ten-minute walk or doing some stretches before work, even if it’s just for the sake of feeling happier and more energized throughout the day.
2. Eat Well
Many people think of self care as things like getting a manicure or buying yourself a new outfit, but it can also include taking care of your diet. Eating well can help improve mental health because food fuels our brains and emotions.
Avoid sugary snacks that cause a spike in blood sugar and crash later on, and instead opt for leafy greens, alkaline foods and other options that make you feel good, says life coach Aida Bielkus. It’s also important to eat at regular times so your body has the energy it needs to focus throughout the day.
It’s a great idea to talk about your emotional and mental wellness with a therapist or other professional, says marriage and family therapist Zereana Jess-Huff, MA, LMFT. Then, they can help you change negative patterns of thinking or behavior.
3. Sleep Well
It’s important to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A good night’s rest allows the body and mind to recharge, preparing you for the day ahead. Avoid watching violent movies and reading upsetting news before bed, instead opting for uplifting books or influential podcasts.
Adding joy to your daily routine can be as simple as treating yourself to a cup of coffee or tea, a short video game or playing a favorite song on the radio. Those small pleasures can help prevent emotional stressors from building up over time.
Self care looks different for everyone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends and family or a counselor. You can also use Epic MyChart to access your health information and communicate with your health care team electronically.
4. Stay Connected
In this climate of social distancing, it is especially important to stay in touch with friends and family. Whether in person or via technology, it lifts your mood and teaches you that you are not alone. Research shows that people who are isolated have a higher risk of death, so be sure to keep in contact with loved ones regularly.
You can also practice staying connected by taking up a new hobby or reconnecting with an old one. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy-just something that makes you happy. Self-care looks different for everyone. For instance, what may be soothing to an extrovert might feel draining for an introvert. It takes time and trial to find what works best for you. That’s why it is so important to be proactive about your mental health.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is about more than just putting yourself on the priority list, it’s also about learning how to handle difficult situations. Like the advice given on airplanes, “put your own oxygen mask on before helping others” – without taking care of yourself first, you can’t be your most effective self for the people around you.
Practicing healthy habits is the best way to support mental health. However, everyone’s personal self-care plan looks different. What may be soothing to one person, could be stressful or draining for another. It takes time to figure out what works for you. It’s important to have a plan and stick with it, even when things get hard. Staying connected with supportive friends and family can help, too.