Prioritize Self Care in 2023

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical and mental health. Regarding your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

The concept of self-care can be different from person to person, but on a fundamental level, practicing self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Taking care of your mental well-being may not be as cut and dry as attending to the physical needs of food, hydration, and hygiene. For some, simple things that keep our physical health taken care of can significantly and positively impact our mental health. Finding a personal means of self-care is essential in helping you maintain your overall positive mental health.

Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems. They may also help prevent some problems from developing or getting worse. Self-care is vital for building resilience toward those stressors in life that you can’t eliminate. Many of these techniques revolve around basic concepts that can be easily neglected.

If you’re having trouble thinking of ways to better care for yourself, here are eight simple ways to get started.

Get regular exercise. Even 30 minutes of walking daily can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of activity add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at once.

Eat healthily, and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.

Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. A relaxing bath can help reduce stress and relieve body aches and pains. Taking a natural sleep aid such as CBD tincture that works with your natural sleep cycles can be beneficial. Hot tea can also be helpful.

Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises and soothing baths. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as journaling.

Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you feel you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.

Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.

Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.

Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

With mental health challenges on the increase– rates of depression alone have tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic — you may find yourself or someone you know in need of support. To be equipped to offer that support, you need to take care of yourself.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness, and more. It can help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. In a national survey, Americans cited the benefits of self-care as enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and happiness (71%). Self-care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer from a physical health perspective.

The activities you choose to participate in for your self-care should help you balance different areas of your life to promote your overall wellness