Family obligations. School and work schedules. Friends or family members who need a favor. The list of to-dos on your calendar probably feels endless, and perhaps even overwhelming. That’s why, now more than ever, you need to take a step back and focus on self-care this month and beyond.
September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, a time when we celebrate acts of kindness toward ourselves and look within to find the things that make us feel whole. By taking care of ourselves, we improve our mood, increase our personal resolve, and experience direct benefits to our mental health. Read on for tips on how you can nourish your mind, body, and soul through the practice of self-care this month and beyond.
First, a Look Back
Self-Care Awareness Month was founded by Evolve to Live, a nonprofit educational organization “dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to people in transition by promoting Self-Care as a critical component of preventative health medicine.” It’s a time designed to remind us that it’s okay to put ourselves first and take care of our own needs. After all, you can’t fill from an empty cup.
In 2017, September was designated the official National Self-Care Awareness Month, giving us a specific time of year to reflect on the importance of caring for and about our health and not losing ourselves to the daily grind. The month teaches us the value of regular self-care so that we all can benefit mentally, physically, and emotionally.
The Art of Practicing Self-Care
If you’re not used to self-care, it can feel strange to do, and you may forget or not know how to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of achievable things you can start doing today to make yourself the priority.
Take More “Me” Time
Connecting with yourself is an important part of self-care. We often get lost in the bustle of daily life and forget to prioritize ourselves, and take the time needed to recharge. Schedule time each day just for you, whether it’s a few hours to read a new book in the evening or a half-hour every morning for yoga. Me Time gives you something to look forward to while creating balance in your life.
Practice Mindfulness
These days, it’s often all about the hustle – side gigs for extra money, spending free time on house projects, catching up on the wealth of media available at our fingertips. That’s why it’s so important to step back from the chaos and focus on the now. Take a deep breath, encourage your mind to stay in the present, and meditate on the things you’re thankful for, the things that bring you joy.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Part of being mindful of the now includes appreciating the beauty of the natural world all around us. A trip to nature does wonders for both our physical and mental health, that fresh boost of vitamin D helping to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and give an overall sense of rejuvenation. So step outside and enjoy a brisk walk or hike, soak up the sun, watch the red and purple sky during an evening sunset, or sit in the park breathing in the fresh, fragrant air.
Connect with Loved Ones
Friends and family are important, but even more than them? The loved ones – soulmates, you may call them – with whom you can be your authentic self. When you’re focusing on self-care, reach out to the people who love you no matter what and have the meaningful conversations and laugh-out-loud moments that rejuvenate your spirit. Not sure who fills that bucket? Make plans with other friends and family members, from a visit to the local coffee shop to a day of pampering, or even just a virtual call to catch up with someone who lives many miles away. The options are endless!
Enjoy a Laugh
Self-care means finding the laughter in life! We deal with heavy topics every day and hear about even more on the news, so take time to find things that make you laugh. This could be a favorite sitcom or movie, a social media account that never fails to get a chuckle out of you, or perhaps hanging with a goofball friend who enjoys making people smile.
Set Boundaries
Self-care also means remembering it’s okay to say no. Don’t feel like you have to take on the world or say yes to every request, favor, or extra work project. It’s important to not only know your limits, but to verbalize them and establish boundaries at home and within the workplace.
Treat Yourself
Rewarding yourself is a fantastic way to enhance your mental health as well as physical wellness, improving your mood, releasing stress and tensions, and boosting feelings of self-worth. For example, a Swedish massage or hot bath can alleviate sore muscles and remove stress from the body. Buying something pretty can remind us that we are deserving of nice things. Today, find a way to treat yourself, and don’t feel guilty for doing so!
Be Your Own Cheerleader
Self-care is self-love – loving who you are and celebrating all your big and small achievements. Got a new job or promotion? Take yourself out to dinner! Learned a new skill? Show it off to friends and family! Eliminate negative self-talk, believe in yourself, and tell the world just how fantastic you are.
Show Gratitude
Gratitude is an essential practice, a purposeful action that allows you to focus on – and be thankful for – the positive things in your life. As you immerse yourself in self-care this month, take stock of all the wonderful blessings around you. Record those gratitudes in a journal, speak them out loud, or maybe even call a friend or loved one to tell them how grateful you are to have them.
Start a Journal
Sometimes verbalizing our wants, needs, and even fears can be difficult. Journaling is a great way to get those feelings out and share them in a way that feels safe. Simply spending a few minutes each day writing down your thoughts and feelings can have lasting benefits on your mental health.
Unplug from Technology
Technology is a great thing – it connects us to loved ones and the rest of the world, keeps us informed on important news, and offers endless hours of entertainment. But, just as we can benefit from tech, we can also profit from unplugging, especially as we’re preparing for bed. Taking a break from online noise helps calm our brains and promote much-needed relaxation.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Quality sleep is vital for brain health. It allows our bodies to recharge and gives our health the TLC it deserves to take on each new day. Keep to a set schedule for going to bed and waking up, making sure to get a full night’s sleep with no distractions (that means no screens!). It’s also helpful to create a cozy area for relaxing, with soft lighting, a fan or sound machine if preferred, and comfortable bedding to encourage rest.
Take Care of Your Health
When we’re overwhelmed with life, handling work deadlines, family obligations, and daily stressors, it’s easy to forget that we also need to take care of ourselves. Now is the time to address health issues you may be ignoring, or to simply go for a checkup to ensure all is as it should be. After all, self-care also means health care!
Ask for Help with Your Health
When you’re struggling to prioritize yourself and set healthy boundaries, or you’re struggling with depressive moods or anxious thoughts, reach out to your support network for help. This may be a best friend or a trusted family member, or a mental health professional.
We at Mindful Health Solutions know that sometimes you need a helping hand on the path to mental wellness, and we encourage acts of self-care to revitalize your health. We’re here to provide treatment options that support you on your journey to mental wellness.
Remember, self-care is not selfish. It’s an essential component of your overall health and an important stepping stone in your personal growth. Contact us today to find out how you can take greater care of your mental health and experience the benefits of self-care this September and all the months to come.
