Embracing Self-Care Is Essential to Protecting Your Mental Wellness
The constant demands and stresses of daily life may leave you with little time for yourself. And if you’re racing to keep up with deadlines and pushing yourself to complete tasks, you probably feel like you’re running out of steam. The best thing you can do for your overall well-being is pause, take a break, and focus on self-care.
“But I have no time!” you may be thinking. You may even think that, with your long list of responsibilities, taking time to tend to your own needs would be self-indulgent. But prioritizing self-care is, in fact, crucial for your mental health. Without opportunities to pause and care for your well-being, it will be harder to get through your day and meet your obligations.
Keep your focus on the positive.
The danger of conversations about self-care is that they can turn into another item on a list of duties or even failures. So if you haven’t had an opportunity to pursue wellness, don’t think of it as yet another thing you’ve neglected or another task on your plate. Instead, focus on the truth that you now have a chance to do something that will increase your energy, positivity, and creativity. Self-care gives you more power to pursue your goals and be your best self.
Claim the time that belongs to you.
One reason we are so busy is that we have an overwhelming sense of obligations — to family and work, but also to friends, community enrichment, volunteer projects, and more. If you are feeling exhausted or burnt out, take a break from all the giving and recharge. This may mean learning how to say “no” without apology or explanation. It may mean evaluating what you are genuinely invested in and whether or not your projects are making the best use of your energy. How you use this reclaimed time is up to you. You may find that meditation or breathwork exercises help you recharge, and R. Christian Minson can help you with that. In addition, exercise and fresh air are very beneficial. Whatever your needs, carve out the time you require to fit them in.
Try to get a good night’s sleep.
We live in a largely sleep-deprived culture, and this takes its toll on our physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation is often a result of simply having more to do than one can keep up with, but it can also be due to sleeping problems or a schedule that doesn’t fit your sleep needs. Seek out natural remedies to get a better night’s sleep. Try to reduce activities that lead to poor sleep, such as alcohol or screen time right before bed. Exercise can help both with stress relief and as a sleep aid. If you are experiencing serious sleeping problems, however, consult your health care specialist.
What you put into your body matters.
Obsessing over healthy eating and weight loss can lead to increased anxiety. Again, focus on the positive. Instead of thinking about avoiding bad foods, putting good nutrients into your body. This means leafy greens, bright-colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and good fats. It also means staying hydrated. If you are having difficulty focusing, getting headaches, or experiencing moodiness, ask yourself whether you have had enough water lately. If you find water boring, try hydrating with all-natural juices or unsweetened herbal teas.
Don’t be afraid to seek help if needed.
If you find that routine self-care isn’t enough to help you get past anxiety or other challenges to mental wellness, consider seeking the help of a therapist. Look at online reviews and ask for recommendations so you can be certain to find someone trustworthy. If you’re concerned about the cost, see what your insurance plan will cover. Medicare recipients, be aware that Part B covers some mental health services. If your health plan doesn’t accommodate your mental health needs, see if adjustments can be made.
Self-care is important at all times, but especially when you are busy, anxious, or uncertain. Implementing techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety will help you take better control over your circumstances and move forward with greater confidence and clarity. If you are interested in acquiring more tools for self-care, contact R. Christian Minson for a consultation.
Guest article provided by Brad Krause of Selfcaring.info. Image via Pixabay
The constant demands and stresses of daily life may leave you with little time for yourself. And if you’re racing to keep up with deadlines and pushing yourself to complete tasks, you probably feel like you’re running out of steam. The best thing you can do for your overall well-being is pause, take a break, and focus on self-care.
“But I have no time!” you may be thinking. You may even think that, with your long list of responsibilities, taking time to tend to your own needs would be self-indulgent. But prioritizing self-care is, in fact, crucial for your mental health. Without opportunities to pause and care for your well-being, it will be harder to get through your day and meet your obligations.
Keep your focus on the positive.
The danger of conversations about self-care is that they can turn into another item on a list of duties or even failures. So if you haven’t had an opportunity to pursue wellness, don’t think of it as yet another thing you’ve neglected or another task on your plate. Instead, focus on the truth that you now have a chance to do something that will increase your energy, positivity, and creativity. Self-care gives you more power to pursue your goals and be your best self.
Claim the time that belongs to you.
One reason we are so busy is that we have an overwhelming sense of obligations — to family and work, but also to friends, community enrichment, volunteer projects, and more. If you are feeling exhausted or burnt out, take a break from all the giving and recharge. This may mean learning how to say “no” without apology or explanation. It may mean evaluating what you are genuinely invested in and whether or not your projects are making the best use of your energy. How you use this reclaimed time is up to you. You may find that meditation or breathwork exercises help you recharge, and R. Christian Minson can help you with that. In addition, exercise and fresh air are very beneficial. Whatever your needs, carve out the time you require to fit them in.
Try to get a good night’s sleep.
We live in a largely sleep-deprived culture, and this takes its toll on our physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation is often a result of simply having more to do than one can keep up with, but it can also be due to sleeping problems or a schedule that doesn’t fit your sleep needs. Seek out natural remedies to get a better night’s sleep. Try to reduce activities that lead to poor sleep, such as alcohol or screen time right before bed. Exercise can help both with stress relief and as a sleep aid. If you are experiencing serious sleeping problems, however, consult your health care specialist.
What you put into your body matters.
Obsessing over healthy eating and weight loss can lead to increased anxiety. Again, focus on the positive. Instead of thinking about avoiding bad foods, putting good nutrients into your body. This means leafy greens, bright-colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and good fats. It also means staying hydrated. If you are having difficulty focusing, getting headaches, or experiencing moodiness, ask yourself whether you have had enough water lately. If you find water boring, try hydrating with all-natural juices or unsweetened herbal teas.
Don’t be afraid to seek help if needed.
If you find that routine self-care isn’t enough to help you get past anxiety or other challenges to mental wellness, consider seeking the help of a therapist. Look at online reviews and ask for recommendations so you can be certain to find someone trustworthy. If you’re concerned about the cost, see what your insurance plan will cover. Medicare recipients, be aware that Part B covers some mental health services. If your health plan doesn’t accommodate your mental health needs, see if adjustments can be made.
Self-care is important at all times, but especially when you are busy, anxious, or uncertain. Implementing techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety will help you take better control over your circumstances and move forward with greater confidence and clarity. If you are interested in acquiring more tools for self-care, contact R. Christian Minson for a consultation.
Guest article provided by Brad Krause of Selfcaring.info. Image via Pixabay