Self Care
Self-care can be different for everyone. It is a way to help keep balance in an individual’s life. Self-care is beneficial not only mentally but physically and spiritually as well.
Life is full of stressors; work, school, family responsibilities, etc. If we don’t take time to take care of ourselves we could suffer from burnout, anxiety, or depression.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration mentions the eight dimensions of wellness; Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, and Spiritual (SAMHSA).
Emotional
This means taking time to understand how you’re feeling. Suppressing emotions isn’t good for mental health. Instead, try finding a healthy outlet. This can take several different forms, find one that fits your lifestyle.
Environmental
Going out for fresh air and getting a change of scenery can help ease your mind. Do things to help the environment, like buying reusable products in order to keep waste at a minimum.
Financial
Developing a financial plan and budget can help ease financial burden. Knowing how much you need to set aside and save can be helpful to keep in the future. Keeping a budget can also help you save for the future.
Intellectual
Take time to study something new, read a new book, or try a new hobby. Find something new to learn that you enjoy. Maybe it’s a dance class or a community college class that you’ve been wanting to take.
Occupational
Maybe it’s time for a change. Apply for new jobs or update your resume. Look for a way to get promoted in your current job. Plan for your future and find new ways to find happiness in what you’re doing now.
Physical
This could be exercising, going for a walk, or a hike. It could be trying a new healthy recipe or getting a good night’s rest. Start doing little things to improve your health.
Social
See friends and family, and go out. Volunteer, and use healthy social media. Reach out to people you haven’t seen in a while.
Spiritual
Do some yoga and be mindful of those around you. Heal your inner mind and find peace in the world around you.
Some ideas of things to do to take care of mental well-being can be exercising, eating well, drinking water, and keeping a healthy sleep schedule. The word exercise may seem daunting but even just going for a walk around the neighborhood can help clear one’s head. The foods we eat can have a big impact on the way we feel. Sometimes it may seem like there’s no time to prepare a healthy meal, but eating healthy snacks can be just as good. Instead of a bag of chips and a soda, maybe try some carrots or an apple with peanut butter. Having a good sleep schedule may be difficult because of conflicts like work. Prioritizing as much sleep as possible and keeping it during a consistent time can help us feel more alert and better during our day.
Individuals may feel that there might not be enough time during the busy week to practice self-care. Just 10-15 minutes daily can be beneficial. Doing a face mask, doing some reading, or just sitting down to practice breathing can ease our minds. Even just 10 minutes of stretching or yoga in the morning can also help us seize the day and feel refreshed.
Self-care doesn’t need to take lots of time but it should be done consistently in order to see results. It will not only benefit mental but physical health as well. Taking a pause or a breather from reality for a little bit can help us deal with it better.
References
ITgroup. (2021, November 4). The importance of self-care – tri-state memorial hospital. Tri. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://tristatehospital.org/the-importance-of-self-care/
Learn the eight dimensions of wellness – substance abuse and mental … (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4953.pdf
Matthew Glowiak Apr 14, 2020, Jun 3, 2022 H., May 24, 2022 H., & May 17, 2022 H. (n.d.). What is self-care and why is it important for you? Southern New Hampshire University. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Caring for your mental health. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health