When you think of mental health, you may think of therapy and medications. But did you know that self-care can be an effective element of taking care of your mental health? Daily self-care diminishes stress, anxiety, and depression, which are some of the most common sources of mental health difficulties. But fitting a self-care routine into an already-bustling schedule can be complicated. Luckily, you can jump-start your self-care habits with a few simple adjustments.
Creating Good Sleep Hygiene
If you want self-care to have a meaningful i
mpact on your mental health, you need to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Research shows that proper sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining proper health. Having good sleep hygiene simply involves creating sleep-boosting bedtime habits. Set a sleep schedule that allows you to get your full eight hours a night, and stick to your plan no matter what. Limit the amount of caffeine you consume, especially after lunch, and avoid naps if you have trouble getting to sleep at night. Sleep is vital to mental health and essential for staying healthy, so make it a priority in your new self-care strategy.
Rearranging and Re-energizing Your Environments
If your office, car, and home are cluttered and chaotic, you may start to feel more out of sorts as well. Disorganization is linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Take care to rid these spaces of clutter and give them all a nice, deep cleaning. Add calming elements to each. Pay special attention to your home and make sure you are returning to a calm house. Get a hamper for dirty laundry, clean out cabinets, and don’t let your refrigerator become a mess. Reducing clutter and grime will surely lessen stress and anxiety in your life, and may even free up enough space to create your own meditation room or quiet corner.
Creating Joy with Smiles and Laughter
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or feelings of depression, it can be difficult to find reasons to smile. But you may be surprised to learn that the simple act of smiling or laughing can actually make you happier. Smiling sends signals to your brain that simulate actual happiness, creating positive reactions throughout your mind and body. Make yourself grin when you are feeling stressed or down. This will help to reduce negative feelings. If you really want to reap the benefits of smiling, put on your favorite comedy and laugh your stress away. Laughing and smiling may just be some of the most beneficial, yet simple, forms of self-care.
Training Yourself to Be Present
Creating mindfulness practices can help you stay present and positive no matter what life throws at you. Practices such as meditation, yoga, or simple breath-work can subdue stress and anxiety, by encouraging you to completely focus on simple tasks. When carrying out these practices, be sure to fully immerse yourself in them by using all of your senses to experience the soothing, therapeutic effects. Don’t think about the past; don’t worry about the future; just be present in whatever you are doing. Learning to be present can preserve your mental health and bring true peace to your life.
Practicing Your Perfect “No”
It’s natural to want to avoid confrontation. Upsetting the people you work with, live with, or have fun with can produce anxiety. But agreeing to every task, responsibility, or event can produce even more anxiety and stress in your life. Saying “no” is never really easy, but it is needed if you want to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A simple “no” will usually do the trick, but sometimes you have to be a little more persistent with certain people in your life. Stay calm when offering your refusal and stay committed to preserving your time and your mental health.
Self-care habits can be beneficial to your mental health. I want to encourage you to make mental health a priority in your life by making yourself a priority. Practicing self-care will help enable you to find joy in your life and peace in your heart!
Adam Cook
addictionhub.org
information@AddictionHub.com