How to Give Your Self-Care a Stronger Foundation for Better Mental Health

We all live with unique stressors in our lives. Unfortunately, when we don’t properly look after ourselves, those stressors can significantly affect our mental health. To give your self-care a boost, you just need to take a few steps.

 

Reclaim Your Interests

 

If stress and anxiety are dominating your life, it’s easy to let activities you enjoy fall by the wayside. However, that can actually make you feel worse, so try to incorporate a hobby or activity you love into your schedule. Hobbies give us a fun way to break up the week and have the added benefit of lowering stress and lifting self-confidence.

 

To make sure you have time to yourself, Real Simple suggests taking a hard look at your schedule to scale back where you can. Limit what you take on by saying “no” when you’re stretched too thin and rearrange to-dos whenever practical. Pamper yourself once in a while with a spa day or an organic facial — Morganna’s Alchemy has some fantastic tips for caring for your skin. Keep in mind it’s for your self-care program, so make yourself a priority!

 

Take Some Vacation Time

 

Far too often, many of us don’t use all our vacation time, but time off is essential for rest and recharging. Instead of spending a lot of time and energy planning a lengthy trip, you can take a staycation and possibly reap even more benefits than you would traveling. Consider renting a vacation home in the area that best serves your interests, whether it’s by the beach, downtown, or close to your favorite museums and restaurants. You’ll have a much-needed break in your routine, without the undertaking of a bigger trip.

 

Relieve Financial Stress

 

If money issues are the biggest source of stress in your life, it’s time to get them under control. You can start with little changes like doing your own housekeeping, washing your own car, and eating out less. Save by shopping online and purchasing secondhand when you can. Start thinking about some longer-term changes as well. For example, if you’re a homeowner, you could refinance your mortgage. Not only can you lower your monthly mortgage payments, but you may be able to refinance at a lower rate.

 

Maintain Good Dental Care

 

To have the broadest self-care possible, you must support both your physical and emotional health. For instance, it’s important to be aware of the link between depression and poor oral hygiene. Those who have a mental health condition are more likely to take improper care of their teeth. To get your health back on track, it’s best to find a good dentist near you that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

 

See Your Loved Ones

 

The people we love lift us up in many ways, and seeing them regularly is foundational to good health. After all, acts of self-care are more than bubble baths and smoothies; they are actions that truly benefit our lives. When we don’t have the time to see loved ones, we don’t get that boost to our health and sense of self-worth. So, if you haven’t been taking the time to enjoy their company, now is the perfect moment to change that.

 

Tackle the Gut

 

Another key way to look after your emotional well-being is by focusing on gut health. Inside the gut’s microbiome, different strains of good bacteria aid our mind as well as body. With a balanced digestive tract, you can maintain a healthy weight, think more clearly, enjoy a happier outlook on life, and stay energized.

 

A balanced diet is critical to maintaining a healthy microbiome, and in our rushed world, this can be complicated. One way to make it easy is with fresh food delivery services. It’s a convenient way to include healthy meals in your diet, with portion control and variety built-in.

 

Prioritize Rest

 

When you don’t sleep well, even the most routine tasks can become difficult. In fact, you may find yourself constantly tired and drinking caffeine as a means to cope and function. Unfortunately, that is a vicious cycle that could actually contribute to restless nights. However, if you grab a glass of water instead of coffee, Leesa points out you’re keeping your body hydrated, which helps you sleep better and wake up more energized the next day.

 

Not every single day will be a self-care success, and that’s okay. Yet, by putting your best foot forward each day and trying to do at least one good thing just for you, you can drastically improve how you feel. There’s no time like the present to start making positive changes for your mental health.

 

Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Written by : BRAD KRAUSE

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