In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, self-care guides individuals toward a healthier and more balanced life. We often find ourselves immersed in the needs and demands of others, neglecting the task of caring for our own well-being. In this blog we will look at what self care is, why it is important, and common ideas for selfcare.
Self-care is a deliberate and conscious practice of taking actions to maintain and enhance one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves engaging in activities and behaviors that promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle, with the aim of preventing burnout, reducing stress, and gaining a positive sense of self. Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities, from basic daily necessities such as adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise, and treating mental/physical illness to more intentional practices like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and conflict resolution. Self care combines the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, while emphasizing the importance of self-nurturing. The goal is to achieve overall life satisfaction and resilience.
Scientifically speaking, self-care triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. When we engage in these activities that nurture our bodies and minds, we essentially create positive chemical reactions that contribute to our overall happiness and resilience. We can think of self-care as something that fuels the brain’s ability to adapt and cope with stressors. Self-care can lead to improved cognitive function, heightened emotional intelligence, and make life’s challenges easier to handle. We find that consistent self-care has been linked to improved job satisfaction, increased resilience, and a reduced risk of burnout. When we neglect self-care we often become tired, restless, overwhelmed and our emotional response can become more intense.
Let’s take a look at some common self-care skills. Mental illness can come in many forms, from being nervous to take an exam to being nervous to leave the house. It is important to prioritize your mental health and seek professional help when needed. At Peace Behavioral health you will be able to engage in collaborative therapy, while utilizing medication management, that is prescribed by a board certified psychiatrist and child & adolescent psychiatrist. We are able to address a wide variety of mental health conditions and concerns, while also offering psychiatric evaluations and a safe space for all individuals.
Another common coping skill is nutrition. It is important to adopt a balanced and nourishing diet to fuel both your body and mind. Try to focus on whole foods, incorporating a variety of nutrients to support overall health and cognitive function. In Maine and Florida there are many local farmers markets, like the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Florida or the local farmers market at the Scarborough Maine Town Hall. Try spending time walking through one. It is a great place to find local produce, breads and vegetables. Why not incorporate another form of self-care and invite a friend to join you. Social activities bring together a support system. It is important to make meaningful connections with friends, family, and community. They can be there to support you during times of need and there is proven strength in shared experiences. Decide it is better to go alone? Try to embrace a moment of stillness and mindfulness, another common self-care tool. Look around you and see the crowd, the different flowers, and explore the market. Try and practice being present in the current moment, use all your senses while preparing the items you bought.
There are many coping skills to consider and we will continue to explore them in the posts to come. It is important to come up with multiple strategies as self-care is not one size fits all. Make sure to continue to have good habits such as good sleep hygiene and avoiding mind altering drugs. Remember, the goal is to find mental and physical well-being. Try and make time each week, if not daily for a self-care activity. If you need more assistance or would like to set up an appointment please reach out to Peace Behavioral Health today. We would love to work together to help you create a happy, healthier self.
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