Self-Care Practices That Improve Your Mental Health

Today’s post is written by our guest blogger, Kimberly Hayes, Chief Blogger for publichealthalert.info.

Live, Work & Relate Well!

Dr. Todd

These days in our bustling society, neglecting one’s own mental wellness is a widespread problem. Most people do not realize that they suffer from some types of mental exhaustion-induced ailments like depression, mood swings, anxiety, etc.—and therefore self-care for mental health is imperative. Self-care is the mindset, practices, and activities we bring to bear against stress, illness, unhappiness, and other negative emotions. 

Taking care of ourselves is about allowing ourselves to seek and feel relief when we're overwhelmed—it is about addressing our issues holistically. Here, Relational Advantage shares some of the most important and easily neglected self-care tips, which you can implement in your daily life today.

Start Your Day Positively 

​Each day brings a choice: to allow stress in or practice peace. If becoming a morning person is not your cup of tea, a quick tweak, like avoiding hitting the snooze button, can go a long way in creating a self-care routine. It helps to wake up to a positive environment. In addition, studies show that early risers are more productive, optimistic, conscientious, and anticipatory regarding problem-solving and life in general.

Focus on the Breath 

Our breath is our lifeforce and harnessing the power of our breath is a great way to ease anxiety and feel more present. Many people focus on breathwork when it comes to meditation and yoga, which makes for excellent practice. However, breathwork can be applied anytime and anywhere. Breathwork can also help us feel less confused, less stressed, and more at peace.

Manage Your Finances Well 

Although we love a cozy night or a shopping session now and then, these are only a source of temporary relief. Financial stress can have a significant impact on our daily lives for most of us and reframing how we approach this aspect can have a lasting effect on your mental health and overall well-being. 

It's important to reflect on your relationship with money and eliminate limiting beliefs as much as possible. It would also help to track your income and expenses and create goals on your road to financial freedom. You can save money using different techniques, but the most popular are budgeting, lowering your student loan payments, and refinancing your home. The latter option is a homeowner’s favorite as it frees up cash or decreases the home loan payment by reducing your home's equity.

Check In With Your Thoughts 

​Traditional wisdom says that our feelings manage our thoughts, but it's the other way around: our thoughts come before our senses. What complicates things is that our thoughts are typically automatic, quick, and unconscious; however, the beauty of practicing mindfulness is learning how to control those thoughts, so they don't manage us. An excellent place to start is by working on your subconscious mind and re-programming yourself with healthier beliefs. 

You may notice your feelings more in the moment. If you are typically someone who resists discomfort during new experiences, try not to act on it. Walking through discomfort is an important part of personal growth. The feelings of discomfort may or may not pass, but you will become accustomed to acting despite your feelings.

Connect With Someone You Love 

​Humans are created to connect, and countless studies show the devastating impacts of loneliness on our mental and physical health. For example, research published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science finds that the subjective feeling of loneliness increases the risk of death by 26 percent. The good news is that all studies also show that relationships can boost health by helping us manage stress, improve our immune system, and give meaning to our lives.

Choose What to Say 'No' to, and Say It 

​Boundaries are fundamental to self-care and happiness, as well. People-pleasing have a challenging time setting limits on their resources and time, but a helpful reframe to keep in mind is that when you say 'No' to one thing, you say 'Yes' to another. Hopefully, that includes some self-care time or a routine that brings you happiness. 

Take a Break and a Meal 

Don't overburden yourself with work, whether you work at home or anywhere else. Every hour, try to take a short but well-deserved break. If you can, get up and get in a quick stroll. Constant sedentary positions and a sedentary lifestyle messes up our mental health, so we need to make sure to take a break. This type of self-care is one of the best tips for your mental health. Besides taking a break, don't forget to drink plenty of water and have a nutritious meal every few hours. Keeping yourself away from hunger helps decrease mental issues as healthy food nourishes the body, keeping your mind sound.

The Bottom Line 

While it's easy to say that self-care is some indulgent craze, this is simply wrong. People have been practicing self-care for many years, talking about its benefits, and recommending it due to its mind-body-spirit connection. These tips can help you get started on your journey towards better mental health. If you need help on your mental health journey, contact Relational Advantage today!