Let’s talk about Self Care

What if I told you we could help you increase your mood, better manage stress, build resilience against life’s challenges, and boost your self esteem??  Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it?  Thankfully, this is not a trick question.  We’re talking self care!! 

Self care is vital for our mental health.  It’s an intentional, proactive endeavour that allows us to relax, recharge, and engage in activities that bring us joy.  Life’s hard, why wouldn’t we make time for something as enjoyable as self care?!?  But here’s the thing … is it really that easy?  I don’t know about you, but every time I’ve tried to do something for self care, it’s because I had to.  Class required it, my personal counselor suggested it, I logically knew I needed it, but darn it if it doesn’t just feel like another task on my ‘to do’ list.  

We all know the reasons behind self care:

     Stress management,

Mood enhancing,

     Improves your self esteem,

     Resilience building,

     Better sleep,

     Increase focus and productivity,

     Facilitates better relationships, and

     Prevents burnout.

Now let’s explore self care options:

Regular exercise,

     Eating healthy,

     Set goals & priorities,

     Practice gratitude,

     Focus on positivity,

     Stay connected to friends & family,

     Meditation,

     Journaling of coloring,

     Get outside and take a walk,

     Dance, or

     Read a book.

So how do we change our mindset from ‘have to’ to ‘want to’?  Here are the steps to set a self care routine you can be successful with:

1.) Find what makes you feel at peace (centered, calm, regulated, and relaxed).

2.) Brainstorm ways you can incorporate these activities into your daily routine.

3.) Set a goal of how and when you will incorporate these activities (make sure these are attainable to realistic goals; we want to set you up to succeed).

4.) Find support (friends, family, church, gym, library community, discussion board, etc.).

Tweak your goal(s) and/or routine(s) to ensure you are successful.  Remember to give yourself grace.  No one hits a new hobby or activity perfectly the first time; self care will be no different.  Tweak things until they work for you!

Post below.  Let us know what self care activities you are working to incorporate into your daily routines.  And if you need a push in the right direction, call us!  We would love the opportunity to work with you to prioritize your health.  We look forward to hearing from you!