As we all know, in this fast paced world especially post circumstances like Covid-19 and growing access to information via various easy access social media platforms, mental health awareness has greatly surged and is the most talked about topic in this generation for good reason. Even as I write this, there will be numerous people who will be going through a tough time at present or working through something they might have gone through in the past making it evident that mental health is crucial for our overall well-being. Therefore, focusing on self-care has become not just important, but a top priority in our lives.
Why Self-Care Is Important:
Stress Reduction:
- One of the primary benefits of self-care is its ability to reduce stress which is an inevitable part of life, and it can take a toll on our mental health.
- When we prioritize self-care, we equip ourselves with healthier activities to cope with stress like meditation, deep breathing, or exercise as compared to things like alcohol and drugs.
Improved Emotional Well-Being:
- Self-care nurtures your emotional
- It helps you reflect on feelings, identify negative emotions and translate them into healthy coping mechanisms.
- This emotional self- awareness is essential for the well being of mental health.
Enhanced Self-Esteem:
- Whether you believe in manifestation or not; taking out time for yourself sends a very powerful messag
- One that shows that you believe you deserve care, love and affection
- This shift in focus from expecting these things from others to giving them to yourself actually works in favor of your well-being and boosts your self-worth and confidence.
Better Relationships:
- By caring for your mental and emotional health, you become better equipped to engage in healthy, fulfilling relationships.
- Self-care ensures that you have the energy and emotional stability to connect with others in a positive way.
- Also, by understanding yourself better; it also helps you see things clearly and provides a better sense of reality.
Practical Self-Care Tips:
Practical self-care tips encompass simple, achievable actions that genuinely support mental well-being. Unlike idealized or romanticized notions of self-care often depicted in media, practical self-care involves realistic activities tailored to individual needs. Let us have a look at a few –
Establish a Routine:
- Making a daily schedule or weekly schedule makes it easier for one to understand and plan better amidst life’s demands.
- It provides a structure that ensures essential activities, like sleep, exercise, meals, work, and leisure, are integrated into daily life.
- Apart from this, also creating a self-care specific routine that includes activities you enjoy, such as reading, taking walks, or practicing a hobby can help you also add some structure to your relaxation! Remember, consistency is key to reaping the mental health benefits of self-care.
Set Boundaries:
- Learn to say no when necessary. Setting boundaries in your personal and professional life is essential for preserving your mental well-being.
- Don’t overcommit or overextend yourself for this can cause stress and burnout in the long-run which isn’t beneficial to anyone.
- If you’re someone that finds it difficult to say no, starting small can be helpful. Begin by setting boundaries in less demanding situations or using diplomatic responses/polite rejections to start establishing your assertiveness over time.
Prioritize Sleep:
- Adequate sleep is a cornerstone of good mental health. Make sure you get enough rest each night to allow your brain to recover and rejuvenate.
- Incorporating sleep hygiene tips like a bed-time skin-care routine, drinking a warm beverage like green tea or stopping screen time 1 hour prior to bed can all significantly reduce stress and better your sleep.
- You can find specific sleep related guided meditations, articles and informative videos on our app – Let’sGetHappi for no cost to help improve your sleep!
Practice Mindfulness:
- Mindfulness techniques help you stay present in the moment and reduce anxiety.
- These include meditation and deep breathing exercises amongst other things.
- Consider integrating these practices into your daily routine. In case you are confused about where to start; our app features an array of meditations you can choose from of different durations to kick-start your mindfulness journey.
Journaling:
- Journaling is important and one of the most recommended ways by psychologists for self-care as it helps in channelising your thoughts and emotions creatively via many forms like written entries, bullet journaling, or even digital journaling via apps like LetsGetHappi.
- If you are unsure what to write, you can begin with prompts like “What made me smile today” or “Goals I want to accomplish for this week”.
- The technique fosters healthier understanding and expression.
Healthy Diet:
- Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Proper nutrition can have a significant impact on your memory, physical fitness and overall well-being.
- Staying Hydrated is equally important for your body as well as mind functioning.
- Proper nutrition, portion control and mindful eating also help stabilize mood, reduce tiredness and help the body defend itself against illness.
Pursue Hobbies:
- Dedicate time to activities you love, such as reading, painting, playing music, or gardening. Hobbies can be a source of joy and relaxation
- If you don’t have a hobby, you can pick out one or two new activities a week and try them out which will help you ease your stress levels.
- Pursuing hobbies promotes mindfulness and a state of flow, offering a distraction from stress and fostering mental relaxation.
Take Breaks:
- Whether at work or in your daily routine, make sure to take short breaks to recharge and refocus.
- You can also make smaller goals and then give yourself a small reward too like a snack or a short walk for achieving that goal which will work as a motivational factor.
Unplug from Technology:
- Take digital detoxes by disconnecting from screens and social media to reduce information overload and promote mental clarity.
- This has multiple effects even on prior mentioned points like better sleep and improved creativity to pursue your hobbies and get your tasks done on time!
- Apps like Instagram even have features that allow you to set a specific amount of daily screen time to keep you aware and remind you when to take a break.
Get Outdoors:
- Spend time in nature and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunlight. The natural world is soothing and revitalizing.
- Even short activities like a brisk walk, working from an outdoor cafe or sitting in a garden can be beneficial in reducing stress and enabling a clearer mindset.
Seek Support:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, and even mental health professionals when needed.
- Talking about your feelings and concerns can also be a crucial form of self-care and it is important we prioritize doing the same without stigma.
- You can always reach out to our psychologists on our app at any time and completely anonymously if you’re considering the same. What’s more? The first session is free! So you’re able to try therapy for yourself before committing to the process.
Always keep in mind that self-care is a personal journey, and what suits one individual may not suit another. Experiment with different self care strategies and find what best supports your mental and emotional health. Prioritizing self care is a crucial step towards a happier, healthier life.