Guest post: 6 Self-Care Practices That Can Boost Your Mental Health

 

Taking care of your mental health should be a priority, especially if you are recovering from addiction or some other issue. Therapy and medications can certainly help relieve some mental health issues, but did you know that your daily routine can have a big impact on your mental health? Practicing self-care on a daily basis can help keep stress, anxiety and depression in check, but getting into a self-care routine can take some practice. Begin your own journey with these six solid self-care steps.

 

Get Enough Sleep

 

Sleep could be one of the most important elements of self-care, so make sure you are getting enough of it. Studies show that lack of sleep can negatively impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, worsening depression and difficulties controlling emotions. Create a calming bedtime routine by turning down lights and turning off loud or bright electronics. Replace worn-out linens with soft, cozy sheets, and pick pillows that offer comfort. Taking steps to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night can help improve mental, physical and emotional health.

 

Have Healthy Hobbies

 

It seems basic, but boredom can lead to anxiety, depression and even addiction. It’s a major trigger for relapses into unhealthy behaviors, but hobbies are a fun way to keep yourself from feeling stagnant and are particularly beneficial if you’re in recovery. You can spend some time getting to know your green thumb in a garden or flex your photography muscles with a camera or your phone. Staying busy and productive can help fight the negative triggers of boredom while improving your self-esteem.

 

Create a Positive Environment

 

Your home should be a source of comfort and escape, so take some time to create a proper environment in your space. Clutter can cause stress and degrade mental health, so spend a few hours getting rid of junk and organizing your belongings. Get creative as you tidy up and set up a regular routine to keep things neat. If you’re recovering from addiction, use this opportunity to eliminate triggers in your home, like familiar smells. A positive environment will put you in a better position to stay calm and stay out of trouble.

 

Practice Mindfulness

 

Learning to be mindful and truly present is essential for combating the negative effects of stress, anxiety and depression. Create your own mindfulness routines by taking time to savor and enjoy moments throughout the day. Meditation is a wonderful way to polish your ability to live in the present while reducing the stress that can take a toll on mental health. Start with some short, guided meditations and focus on breathwork. Mindfulness is a perfect tool for achieving peace of mind and peace in your life.

 

Find Comfort in Doing Nothing

 

Your life likely involves a slew of responsibilities, so it seems counterproductive to spend time doing nothing. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We need moments of solitude and calm in order to recover from the stresses of everyday life. Otherwise, our minds can get overwhelmed and our emotions raw. Take a deep breath and take a few moments to wind down throughout the week. Climb into a warm, soothing bath or lay out in a hammock. Just do nothing and enjoy the time to yourself.  

 

Learning to Say “No”

 

People are pretty much wired to avoid disappointing one another. That’s why you may find yourself saying “yes” when you’re already feeling burned out. Saying “no” in a positive way can take some practice, but it’s an essential skill in preserving your mental health. Sometimes, you have to distance yourself from tasks, situations or people to stay on track with your own goals in life. You shouldn’t feel guilty for taking time to take care of yourself.

 

These simple self-care steps can be valuable tools when it comes to taking care of and improving your mental health. Putting yourself first can be crucial to managing stress and overcoming obstacles, so learn how to make yourself a priority in your own life. Doing so can open up doors to happiness and possibility that you never knew existed.

 

Blog post from: Brad Krause

Photo credit: Unsplash

When I feel like pulling my hair out!

 

I found the importance of self-care when I became a mother in 2016. Having a daughter helped me to realize that I am not only caring for myself but the life of another individual. With that, I felt led to better care for myself so I can give the best care to my daughter that I could give. Working out has been the single most effective way that I have been able to care for myself. As a former track and field athlete, I feel at my best when I am at the gym.  As I sweat I feel the stress dripping away with the droplets of my own hard work. I am allowed to free my mind and build my body at the same time. I am a whole person minded therapist and I use that in my own personal life. I try to maintain balance in all areas of my life; my mind, body, and spirit.

Without adequate self-care burnout and compassion fatigue can easily happen. I make it a point to notice the things I am thinking about and the things I say to myself. If I notice that my thoughts are veering to the negative I automatically check-in and use self-care coping practices. To combat these thoughts I use scriptural affirmations as well as a thankfulness journal. When I journal what I am thankful for it allows me to break out of the negative thinking pattern cycle. For my physical wellbeing, I make it a point to work out 5 days a week.  For my emotional wellbeing, I make sure that I use mindfulness. I am always aware of my 5 senses and how I am interacting with them. Furthermore, my husband and I make sure to turn leave our phones behind during the weekends so we eliminate outside distractions and social media. We make sure to have positive inputs throughout our days and focus on family time during the weekends. My attitude towards self-care is the more the merrier. I try to enlist as many resources as possible to help eliminate stresses. However, it is important to look at your own attitudes towards self-care that may be hindering you. Some self-care attitude I want to challenge you to look at are as follows:

Do you feel guilty when you take time out for yourself?

Do you think feeling overwhelmed means you are weak?

Are you making self-care a priority daily?

How do you feel about slowing down?

Do you feel comfortable in your own skin?

Do you take a break and get rest when you are tired?

Do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake?

Do you numb out from uncomfortable feelings?

Do you know your red flags and triggers?

Are your boundaries with others appropriate?

These attitudes can prevent you from properly enlisting self-care for yourself. I make self-care a daily priority and had to be okay slowing myself down and making myself a priority. When you are better able to have things in proper order the stresses of daily life with no longer be as great. I leave you with this question.

What is preventing you from taking care of yourself properly?