Improving Mental Health Through Self-Care
As Mandy Hale once said, “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” Without self-care, your mental health often struggles. That’s why making time for nourishing, enriching, and relaxing activities is essential.
Fortunately, there are plenty of straightforward options for giving yourself that quick boost. Leslie Campos shares an overview of some simple self-care techniques.
Start the Day Right
When your day begins with good habits, you set the tone for the rest of your day. And the more ingrained these habits become, the more inclined you are to take care of yourself. So start your day with a glass of water, enjoy some light stretching or aerobics and eat a healthy breakfast. Consider also journaling for a few minutes.
Say “No” to Horrible Jobs
A bad job isn’t just frustrating during the day; it takes a toll. It can leave you tired, frustrated, and burned out. Plus, it can harm your relationships. In some cases, being in a horrible job is worse for your mental health than being unemployed.
When job stress leaves you unfocused, demotivated, and irritable, it’s time to move on. By leaving that job you don’t like, you’re looking out for your well-being, making it a form of self-care.
Take a Modified Staycation
When most people think of a staycation, they mainly envision taking time off work and staying home. While that can serve as self-care, it may not be ideal if remaining in the house makes self-care activities difficult or if your living arrangements are a source of stress.
If your main goal is to get time to yourself, modify the staycation concept. Instead of remaining home, head to a nearby hotel or Airbnb alone. You can binge your favorite shows, take a relaxing bath, and order your favorite food uninterrupted. You can even do some 10-minute yoga routines.
Give Your Home a Solid Once-Over
Yes, cleaning, decluttering, and letting in fresh air can also act as self-care. It allows you to inject positivity into your home, potentially relieving tension and reducing conflict with household members, all while making your house a fresh and vibrant place.
Plus, certain cleaning acts can be surprisingly meditative. By embracing mindful cleaning practices, you can use the experience to recenter, resulting in a calmer demeanor and a nicer home.
Take a Trip to the Aquarium
Did you know that watching fish swim can reduce stress? It’s true. That’s why a bit of aquarium therapy could be the perfect form of self-care.
Why you could undoubtedly have a fish tank at home, a trip to the local aquarium lets you get the relaxation benefits without worrying about ongoing care. Plus, it allows you to appreciate a wider range of aquatic creatures.
If you’re worried that there will be a crowd, go either first thing in the morning or near dinner time on a Tuesday. In most cases, those times and that day are less popular.
Pick the Right Outfit Every Day
While the attire you chose may not seem overly relevant, it can make a difference. When you look good, you feel good, making clothing a form of self-care.
You’re ready for whatever the day sends your way by choosing comfortable clothes that don't sacrifice style. So, if your wardrobe needs a refresh, consider some new loungewear, like premium leggings, soft joggers or breezy tunics that leave you feeling fabulous and capable.
End Your Day with Your Favorite Comfort Beverage
If you want to take the stress off a challenging day, end the day with your favorite comfort beverage. Hot cocoa, herbal tea, or hot apple cider are all great options since they feel cozy.
When you drink it, make sure you focus on the experience. Enjoy the warmth, flavors, and aroma. That way, you take in everything your favorite drink offers, making it even more soothing.
There’s more to self-care than bubble baths and massages. While those things are certainly great, so too are supportive activities that can boost your overall mental wellness.