What is self-care?
Self-care describes a conscious act one takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health.
I have always been an advocate for self-care. I strongly believe that you can’t take care of others unless you care for yourself first. I know that life can get busy, and it can be hard to find time for yourself BUT that is not an excuse for putting your mental health at risk. That is why I suggest practicing self-care each and every day. Because it is so important for your mental health.
Now everyone practices self-care a little bit differently so I provided a basic list of things you can do to care for yourself and it can boost your mental health!
Here we go!
- Take a Warm Shower. It will help relieve muscle tension, reduce headaches and aid anxiety relief. Cold showers are great too for releasing tension, improving circulation, and it can work as a kind of gentle electroshock therapy.
- Keep a notebook and pen in your nightstand. I like to take 10 minutes before bed each night to clear my mind and write down all my thoughts and feelings from that day. I try to mentally release those things as I write.
- Simplify Your Schedule. Double check which activities are truly adding value to your life and make time for those things. Try to avoid activities that bring more stress than value.
- Swim, run, do yoga,attend a dance class, or whatever physical activity you enjoy!
- Write a Gratitude List. Write down all things that you’re thankful for. Practicing gratitude has been proven to boost mood and help you sleep better.
- Put Down Electronic Devices. Take a break from social media to take in the world around you.
- Hang out with someone who you love.
- Choose a place — your email inbox, your desk, your purse, your bedroom — and get rid of the excess and junk.
- Take care of your body. Eat healthy foods. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Manage stress and go for regular medical check-ups.
- Have a self-care day. Typically I devote Sunday evenings to self-care in any and all ways. I change my bed sheets, give myself a facial massage, wash my hair, shave my legs, and write to-do lists for the week ahead.
- Get enough sleep. This one is CRUCIAL. I know that if I don’t get an Adequate amount of sleep, both my mind and body feel it immensely. Having a solid bedtime routine is so important to relax your mind and body prior to getting into bed, it will help you to get a good night’s rest.
- Listen to music. I think we can all agree that nothing is better than a good song that immediately reflects on how we feel. Music has this amazing power that evokes different emotions, in various ways for so many people.
- Try something new. Have you been considering learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby? Well go for it!
- Pick up a good book. Reading is a great way to escape, it also does the best job at getting an individual tired before going to bed.
- It may sound stupid, but taking deep breaths really do help.
- Practice Meditation
- Follow accounts on social media that promote healthy self-care habits. If you are Instagram I recommend following @selfcarespotlight, @selfcareisapriority, @letstalk.mentalhealth, and @therapywithmillenials
- Do something you enjoy everyday
- Ask for help. It is totally okay to ask for advice, support, or assistance whenever you need it.
- Eat healthy.
Now that you are familiar with these 20 self-care practices, go make some time for yourself!
This post was written by Hana Hollenbeck, a psychology major at SUNY Cortland, and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
Live in New York and want to learn more about working with us? Check us out here!
Check out more content like this here.
