Easy Self-Care Practices For Better Mental Health & Wellness

Whatever comes to your mind when you hear self-care is what self-care is to you and that is fine! So long as it safe for you and those around; Self-care is whatever you make it to be.

For me, self-care is a bunch of things- Its being in a dark room, lying down listening to my favourite songs, singing at the top of my lungs, taking long showers while I pretend to host a concert, eating a favourite meal, snacking on my best snacks, reading an article I find interesting, watching NAT GEO WILD, watching a good rom-com, watching comedy specials that make me laugh till I cry; basically, anything that relaxes me, puts my mind at ease and gives me the feel of being a princess.

Self-care is taking care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s doing things that make you feel good, relaxed, and happy. It is prioritizing your own needs/well-being, which can lead to less stress and increased pleasure and fulfillment. Self-care entails paying attention to your feelings and making decisions—and even sacrifices—for the sake of your mental and physical wellbeing.

 Self-care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. WHO defines Self-care as the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.

Self-care should not be fleeting; rather a practice, a routine. It goes deeper than spa treats(which is also a great form of self-care). It is important to note that self-care practices might vary from individual to individual. It all comes down to figuring out what works best for you in terms of physical and mental rejuvenation. Some unpopular self-care practices, includes setting boundaries at work or attending important medical appointments, saying no to certain things, going home by 8pm, having just one drink and nothing more- it may not always be fun, but they are critical for sustaining physical, emotional, and mental health.

Practicing mindfulness is an excellent form of self-care that might include attending a yoga class, a book club, downloading a meditation app, or simply taking a few deep, quiet breaths in the midst of a hectic day. Self-care does not have to be elaborate; Self-care can be as simple as you choose.

Self Care practices for mental health

The practice of self-care can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and enhance your overall quality of life. Here are the best self-care ideas you might want to try:

• Get Enough Sleep
• Take Breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Take a few minutes to step away from your work, stretch, or do something you enjoy
• Go outside, Spend time outdoors. Do some outdoor activity.
• Explore your hobbies. Do that thing on your bucket list. Try something new
• Set Boundaries. Setting boundaries is important for mental health and wellbeing. It can help you prioritize your own needs and reduce stress. Learn to say no to requests that don’t align with your values or priorities.
• Take deep breaths. Stay hydrated. Stretch.
• Dance. Listen to music. Read
• Meditate. Practice mindfulness. Explore spirituality (if it interests you)
• Journal your feelings
• Unplug – Disconnect from digital devices for an hour
• Practice gratitude
• Do regular check ups at the hospital
• Spend time with loved ones. Call or text that friend
• Practice Gratitude
• Eat nutritious food
• Move Your Body. Exercise. Increased physical activity. Go on a walk. Run
• Go to new places. Visit a library, museum, or gallery. Try out that new restaurant
• Travel if you can
• Sign up for a workshop, seminar or a class
• Go to the saloon. Change your look. Get a pedicure.
• Get new clothes
• Embrace JOMO( joy of missing out) and not FOMO9Fear of missing out)
• Foot rubs, Back rubs. Book a spa appointment
• Go see your dentist

In a nut shell, self-care fits into one of the seven categories: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social.

So Why Self-care?

There are a lot of benefits in practicing self-care. A few are:

• Reduced stress
• Improved moods
• Lower your risk of illness
• Better physical and overall health
• Enhanced mental and emotional well-being
• Mind and body rejuvenation – Increase in energy, productivity and focus
• Prevention of burnout
• Healthy self-esteem and sense of self-worth
• Build and maintain healthy relationships
• Develop a deeper sense of meaning and understanding

Meditation Apps

We can go on and on. Self-care really is whatever you make it out to be. Maintaining these habits can be so much easier if you get started with mobile apps and guided meditation services. Lets look at some of the really helpful meditation apps:

• Best Overall: Calm
• Best Budget Service: Ten Percent Happier
• Best Guided Meditation: Core Meditation
• Best Audio Selection: Headspace
• Best for Beginners: Waking Up
• Best for Sleep: Aura
• Best for Short Sessions: The Mindfulness App
• Best Free Service: Insight Timer
• BIWOC-Focused: Exhale
• LGBTQ+-Focused: Sowl Mate
• Best for Consistency: Unplug
• Best for Mindfulness: Simple Habit
• Best for Mantras: Sattva

If there are others I haven’t heard of, kindly let me know in the comments. You can get the above apps on apple store and google play.

Do you know Self-care/mental has what they call the 5Cs? – right? I was shocked to. They are the foundation of mental and emotional health: connection, coping, calmness, care, and compassion. Here there are: Care, Connection, Coping, Community and Compassion

• Care

This is about taking proactive measures to preserve and promote mental health. This involves self-care practices, getting professional assistance when necessary, and leading a healthy lifestyle. Prioritizing self-care and professional care can result in improved mental health, fewer symptoms of mental illness, and increased general well-being.

• Connection

refers to the relationships we form with others, such as family, friends, and colleagues. Humans are fundamentally social creatures, and strong, pleasant relationships are essential for our mental health. Creating a network of supportive relationships lays a solid basis for mental wellness. Please note that the quality of relationships is more important than the quantity.

• Coping

Coping refers to the tactics we use to manage stress and navigate life’s challenges. Effective coping mechanisms are essential for maintaining mental health and resilience. Good coping strategies help reduce the negative impact of stress, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance emotional regulation. Avoid negative coping mechanisms like substance abuse or withdrawal.

• Community

Community entails being a member of a wider social network that offers support, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Being an active member of a community can have a substantial impact on mental health by providing opportunities for social interaction, mutual support, and group participation.

Online communities can also offer support and connections, particularly to people with unique hobbies or needs. Remember that giving back to your community can be equally satisfying as receiving it.

• Compassion

Compassion entails being compassionate and understanding to oneself and others. Self-compassion, in particular, is critical to mental wellness. It entails acknowledging our own sorrow, treating ourselves kindly, and avoiding self-criticism.

Self-compassion is demonstrated by acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself grace during difficult moments, and applauding your accomplishments. Show compassion for others by demonstrating empathy, offering assistance, and understanding their difficulties. Compassionate behavior can foster a more supportive and nurturing environment for everyone.

You might ask: How can I make time for self-care in my busy schedule?

Answer: Self-care becomes easier when you plan ahead of time. Begin by reviewing your daily routine and identifying any tiny windows of time that could be used for self-care activities. This may be a few minutes in the morning before starting work, during a lunch break, or just before bed. Consider things that you can include into your current routine, such as deep breathing exercises during your commute or a quick walk during your lunch break. Self-care does not have to be time demanding.

How will I know if my self-care practices are effective?

Answer: Assessing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being will help you determine the effectiveness of your self-care practice. If you’re feeling less stressed, more energized, and overall happy, your routine is most likely working. Pay close attention to any changes in your sleep, mood, or energy levels. If you observe any good changes, it’s probable that your self-care habits are helping. If not, it may be time to modify your routine to better suit your needs.

Self Care Myths

Before I round up, let me help debunk some Self-care myths:

1. Self-care is only for women: Who started such? It is a big lie. Self-care is for everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or ability. Everyone! it is all inclusive.
2. Self-care practices are the same for everyone: Another wrong belief! Self-care practices should be tailored to your own unique emotional and physical characteristics.
3. Self-care is selfish: Wait a minute how is taking care of yourself selfish? it is the opposite of selfish. It allows you to restore your energy and be more present for yourself and others. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
4. Self-care is expensive: It doesn’t have to be. Self-care doesn’t have to involve spending money on expensive product or services. Its the little things.
5. Self-care is time-consuming: There’s no fixed schedule for self-care. Go at your own pace.
6. Self-care is a cure for mental issues: Self-care doesn’t cure mental issues, but it can improve overall health and wellness.

I leave you with this – Self-care is an important daily practice. This will result in a greater balance across your wellness dimensions, as well as enhanced overall health and wellness. Life is precious and meant to be cherished!