Guest article by Brad of SelfCaring.info
Photo via Pixabay by Guvo59

Practicing Self-Care: How to Boost Your Mental Health 

Self-care is important when it comes to boosting our mental health; with all the stress and anxiety that can come with everyday life, knowing how to make yourself feel calm and relaxed in any situation is imperative. It can be difficult to do, however, especially if you have a family, a full-time job, or go to school. Time is always a factor; it seems as though there’s never enough of it. Yet, there are some simple ways you can work self-care into your schedule that don’t require too much of a change.

Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to practice self-care, and it’s often overlooked when an individual is looking for new healthy routines. Especially if you have a busy schedule, you may feel that an hour or two of sleep is expendable if it will give you more time to get things done. However, a lack of adequate rest can leave you feeling sluggish and irritable, affecting your performance at home, work, or school, and it can negatively affect your mental health as well. Individuals who are living with depression or anxiety often have trouble sleeping, which exacerbates their symptoms.

Keep reading for some great tips on how practicing self-care can boost your mental health.

Relax

Making time to relax is essential in today’s busy, fast-paced world, but it can be difficult for some people to do. There’s no one right way to feel relaxed and at peace; think about the things that make you the happiest and make time for them. You might meditate, get a massage or pedicure, go for a hike on a nice day, or sit down and watch a favorite movie. Try to clear your mind of all the things that are bringing you stress during this time and simply enjoy the moment.

Diet and Exercise Are Important

We all know the importance of diet and exercise when it comes to feeling good physically, but did you know those things also have an effect on your mental health? The right foods -- berries, dark, leafy greens, nuts, lean fish and meat, and whole grains -- can boost brain health and can even help fight the symptoms of depression. Not only that, exercising every day can help reduce anxiety and release chemicals in the brain that help you feel happier. However, if you discover you’re having a hard time getting to the grocery to stock up on fresh food, it might be time to sign up for a meal delivery service. These subscriptions can deliver goods right to your front door, as well as help you develop a healthy diet, learn portion control, and lose weight.

Focus on Recovery

There are all types of recovery, and practicing self-care can help with each of them. From substance abuse recovery to healing your muscles after an injury, the mind and body need time and care when it comes to performing the way they used to. Yoga and meditation can help in many aspects of your life, from allowing you to practice mindfulness and reduce stress or anxiety to getting your joints and muscles fit in a gentle way. Or, you might decide to learn a new skill or hobby, which can boost your self-esteem and keep your mind occupied.

Practicing self-care has so many benefits across all aspects of your life that it’s important to make time for it. You can start by getting enough sleep, exercising daily, and eating a diet that’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants, then move on to the actions that will help you feel confident and happy. Think about what these may be and talk to your family members to get them involved. With a solid plan and a little time, you can ensure that your physical health and mental health are well taken care of.

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