How Self-Care Can Boost Your Mental Health
Posted by Improving Lives Counseling Services, Inc. | Mental Health
If you’re feeling stressed, strained, and exhausted, it’s time to start taking better care of yourself. Establishing a regular self-care routine can actually boost your mental health by lowering stress, allowing for more relaxation, and increasing your overall health and wellness. Read on for some tips and tricks to help you increase your self-care.
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Better Nutrition
One of your first steps in self-care is improving your nutrition. Maybe you’ve been eating a lot of junk food lately. This can make you feel rather sluggish because your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. So break the junk food habit. If you’re hungry in the middle of the afternoon, don’t reach for sodas, chips, or a candy bar. Instead, grab a healthy smoothie or a piece of fresh fruit. This can raise your energy levels and provide your body with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
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Regular Exercise
Your self-care routine should include regular exercise. If you’re already exercising, that’s great, but see if you can take that up a notch. Add a few minutes each day, or add another day each week. If you aren’t currently exercising, start small with a simple walk or bike ride several times per week. Throw some weight training into the mix as well. You’ll be surprised by how good exercise can make you feel, for physical activity actually releases chemicals in the brain that fight stress and improve your mood.
Enough Sleep
If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you’re bound to feel sluggish and blah, so work on improving your sleep patterns. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night, so adjust your schedule accordingly. Also, avoid eating too much before bed, and make your late-evening activities relaxing. Getting enough sleep goes a long way toward helping you cope with the next day.
Time for Fun
Set aside plenty of time for fun, too. It’s easy to get caught up in work and other responsibilities, but you need some balance in your life. Take time each day to do something you truly enjoy. This might be an outing with a friend, an hour dedicated to your favorite hobby, or a session with a good book or movie. You’ll be happier and more ready to get back to work when you’ve had a bit of time off.
Updating Your Wardrobe
Buying some new comfortable clothes can be a great way to boost your mental health. Taking the time to invest in clothing like leggings and tops that are both stylish and comfortable can help to increase your self-confidence and make you feel more at ease. High-quality fabrics like organic cotton and linen are both soft and breathable, giving you an extra bit of comfort throughout the day.
Setting Limits
Sometimes it’s necessary to set some limits in your life. As hard as it may be, you have to say no to some requests and some activities, or you’ll end up too busy and overwhelmed. Be polite about it, but also be firm. You simply can’t do everything.
A Relaxing Home
Finally, make an effort to make your home a more relaxing place to be. If you and your family members tend to argue, complain, and criticize a lot, then bring in some positivity by reducing clutter, inserting some beauty into your space, and letting in the fresh air. Organize a family fun night, too, to give your family a chance to relax and enjoy each other.
Improved Mental Health
Your self-care routine can significantly improve your mental health. This could be as simple as making your home more relaxing and positive, updating your wardrobe, or finding ways to inject more fun in your daily routine. So, follow some of these tips, and start feeling better. To learn more about self-care and mental health services available, contact Improving Lives Counseling Services today.
