Self Care is Mental Health Care

It doesn’t need to be expensive or difficult.

We often see social media posts of folks getting their self-care on. Relaxing at a luxurious day spa, chilling by the pool in some exotic locale, buying the latest expensive beauty care line . . . but did you know that self-care is not expensive or complicated if you don’t want it to be? Self-care has three simple elements: (1)slowing down; (2) disconnecting to reconnect; and (3) consistency.

Slowing down means taking some time (again that is flexible) to step away from usual stressful routines and practices. It can look like going for a 10 to 15 minute walk on your lunch break, enjoying a 15 minute nap after lunch, making sure to eat lunch, journaling your intentions before you start your day, or going to sleep 30 minutes earlier than your usual time. But research has shown that it is a critical component in health and well-being which are in turn, key elements in self-care and mental health care.

“Disconnecting to reconnect” means challenging yourself to set time aside from your daily work, family, community, and other life obligations. Turning off your cell phone at lunch, not checking emails the first thing in the morning, learning to say “no”, and learning to delegate tasks can create more space for your goals to come into focus. Allowing you to begin maintaing practices and habits that create a healing relationship with yourself.

The beauty of self care is that it is not a one-size fits all form of care. Your partner can feel rejuvenated and revived by a good ol’ fashion sweaty gym session, while you prefer a gentle yoga flow. Self care practices also can change based on seasons (such as winter ice skating versus a summer aerobic class). They also can be constantly modified to suit your finances, time, interests, and needs.

In today’s world with all of the pressures and the rapid pace of change, it can be difficult to feel like we are keeping our heads above water. A day spa can do wonders in giving you some time away from the hustle and bustle, and most of us would not turn down an exotic excursion, but we don’t have to over-think it or over-spend it. Actually, if our self-care practices are simple and more attainable they can become consistent.

Thinking of self care as mental health and emotional care. Consistently leaning into practices that support those concepts will go a long way in improving your health and assisting you to “heal better.”