As we continue to look at different ways to enhance our mental health, we have to consider self-care. Self-care is often talked about, but it can be challenging to participate in. Self-care is beneficial to help improve overall mental health and wellness but can be difficult to maintain. However, there are various self-care techniques that can be applied at home or in the workplace. Let’s explore different ways that self-care can be utilized throughout our daily lives.

1.     Take time to breathe- One of the simplest ways to engage in self-care is remembering to take a breath. It is easy to get wrapped up in our everyday lives and allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed. Engaging in breathing exercises daily provides a quick form of relief and allows us to reset and continue to move forward.

https://www.healthline.com/health/breathing-exercise#belly-breathing

2.     Plan an activity for yourself or with friends- Since the pandemic, it is easy to feel disconnected from loved ones, friends, and even ourselves. Searching for normalcy during a time of uncertainty can be important when working to improve mental health. Try to plan an activity that you can enjoy either by yourself, or with friends. Zoom get- togethers are a fun way to stay connected while staying socially distanced. Different outdoor activities are slowly opening up which can provide different options to spend time outside as we move towards the warmer months. Having a planned activity also provides us something to look forward to and can elicit excitement and anticipation.

3.     Cook yourself your favorite meal- At the beginning of quarantine, it was important to support local restaurants by ordering food to enjoy at home. Although having food prepared and delivered is a convenient option, cooking for yourself can provide a sense of accomplishment and independence. Being able to plan a menu, go grocery shopping, and cooking a meal has the ability to be a positive wind-down activity. Pairing it with a podcast or favorite television show can make the experience even more relaxing.

 4.     Create a healthy sleep routine- It is easy to get wrapped up in different social media while laying in bed. Racing thoughts and anxious thinking can creep in and make falling asleep difficult. Creating a healthy sleep routine can help improve sleep and mood. Having “no tech time” at least a half hour before bed may seem difficult but can help reduce anxious thinking and increase the ability to fall asleep. The use of different mindfulness and meditation techniques can provide regulation when used before bed.

5.     Exercise- This self-care technique is one that seems to be most often recommended, but sometimes the most difficult one to implement. Whether it’s taking a walk around the neighborhood or heading the gym, exercise is a great way to improve mental health. It is also a great self-care activity that can get your four-legged friends involved as well! There are many different forms of exercise that you can use that is more than just running or walking. Yoga, Zumba, bike riding, hiking, and many other options are great ways to get up and moving. Exercise is a tiny part of your day, but it can have the biggest impact on your attitude and mood.

6.     Discover new hobbies- There are many different things to be involved in and try for the first time! Whether it’s revisiting old games from your childhood, coloring, writing, or reading, there are many different hobbies to try for the first time or get back into. Do you have something you’ve wanted to try but just have not had the time for? Now would be a great time to challenge yourself to enjoy that activity and add a new hobby to your self-care list.

Mental health is truly about taking are of ourselves as a whole, and it is important to remember ways to take care of ourselves both mind and body. There are many different activities that can be implemented into your daily self-care routine. This month, challenge yourself to engage in at least one positive self-care activity! Remember that in order to give to others, it is important to also give to yourself.

-Natalie Haines, MA, LPC