Practice Self Care
“The term self-care describes the actions that an individual might take in order to reach optimal physical and mental health.”
Everyone does something to relieve stress, but as humans, we usually run to unhealthy things. It is important to be aware of your Self Care habits so that you can make healthier choices for maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing.
Why Self-Care is important
There is no such thing as a stress-free life. I was talking to a close friend last week and we complained about relationships, family issues, Trump, and work. Absentmindedly she said, "I wish I could just have a stress free life" and I said, "girl you can only get that when you're dead". Listen, shit happens and sometimes life doesn't go as planned. I have internalized the reality that life is about balancing the good times and the bad times. You can't have one without the other. Self-care is important because stress takes a physical toll on your body. Without having a routine in place, you will burn out, or make poor decisions. The act of misusing things to distract yourself from your problems is the root of most addictions and some disorders.
Healthy Forms of dealing with Stress:
- Moderate Exercising
- Enjoying nature
- Talking to friends
- Eating healthy
- Getting 7-8 Hours of sleep
- Dance/Read a book/Do something you enjoy
- Healthy Sexual Relationships
Unhealthy Forms of dealing with Stress:
- Drinking too much
- Smoking too much
- Excessive Retail Therapy
- Unstable Relationships
- Attention seeking
- Excessive Exercising
- Eating too much
Benefits of self-care:
- Emotional Health
- Balanced emotions
- Spiritual Health
- More fulfilling life
- Interpersonal/Social health
- Deeper friendships
- Psychological Health
- Stable mental state
- Physicla Health
- Well rested body/Better diet
People that maintain self-care are better equipped to deal with everyday stressors. This allows for them to have more resilience and control over their reaction to life's events. These are those strong men and women that we always look to who seem to withstand whatever life throws at them. Usually these people hold on to strong faith, have a supportive family or group of friends, and are heavily involved in a community or group activity that provdes healthy social interactions.
How to create a self care routine:
Have a positive outlook
“You can’t control life’s circumstances but you can control your attitude towards it. ”
- No matter what happens, look for the positive in the situation. You can learn a lesson from everything that happens to you and apply it to your next move.
Do more of the things you love
- Do what you love but in moderation. Remember, too much of a good thing turns into a bad thing, life is all about balance.
Journal
- You know I'm an advocate for writing down your thoughts and feeling in order to process them in a safe and judgment-free zone. Rip it up after if you have to, just get your emotions out first.
