Personal hygiene habits are not only important for physical health, but they also play a significant role in maintaining mental health. Poor hygiene can cause distress, social isolation, and low self-esteem. Good personal hygiene practices, on the other hand, not only affect our physical appearance but also have various psychological benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the correlation between personal hygiene habits and mental health and the importance of establishing healthy habits.
Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Maintaining good personal hygiene practices, including showering daily, brushing teeth twice a day, and wearing clean clothes, can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. When we look good, we feel good, and this positive feeling can help us conquer our day’s challenges. On the other hand, poor hygiene can affect our self-esteem and lead to the avoidance of social situations, further impacting our mental health.
Stress Reduction
Establishing good personal hygiene habits also has a stress-reducing effect. When we invest in our hygiene and appearance, we feel more in control of our lives, hence reducing stress. Besides, the sweet smell of a well-scented shower gel, for instance, and the soothing feeling of fresh and clean clothes can calm our minds, reducing anxiety and worry.
Social Bonding
Humans are social animals, and maintaining good personal hygiene habits plays a crucial role in social interaction. Poor hygiene, such as bad breath or body odor, can lead to social isolation and affect our mental health negatively. In contrast, when we smell good, look good, and feel clean, we attract positive attention and form stronger social bonds, boosting our mental well-being.
Mental Alertness
Establishing good personal hygiene habits also has a positive impact on our mental alertness. A clean and tidy space can improve our focus, making us more productive and efficient. Practicing good hygiene habits requires discipline and structure, which can help improve our cognitive function and increase our mental stamina.
Positive Self-Talk
Establishing good personal hygiene habits leads to positive self-talk, which improves our mental health. We can’t reinforce a positive self-image when we neglect our hygiene. Good hygiene is a way of showing care and respect for ourselves, and it gives us a reason to celebrate our achievements. Developing positive self-talk is essential for mental resilience and overall mental health.
Where To Start During Depression
Personal hygiene can be a challenge to maintain during a depressive episode. However, you can start by slowly implementing a routine that includes regular bathing, brushing your hair, and putting on clean clothes. When it comes to brushing your teeth, consider dental implants as a long-term solution to improve your oral health if they are needed. i not, carry on looking after yourself, as you matter. Remember to be patient with yourself, seek support from loved ones, and take small steps towards self-care each day. By focusing on your personal hygiene, you can improve your overall well-being and feel more confident in yourself.
To conclude, personal hygiene habits play a vital role in maintaining our physical and mental health. Poor hygiene can cause distress, isolation, and low self-esteem, while good hygiene habits can boost our self-confidence, reduce stress, improve social bonding, increase mental alertness, and promote positive self-talk.
As we go about our daily routine, we must make maintaining good hygiene habits a priority to reap these benefits and maintain our mental well-being.
With the rise of technology, we have access to countless benefits, including easy communication and access to vast information. Despite these benefits, there are also many risks, such as increasing cases of internet blackmail. The impact of internet blackmail cannot be underestimated. It is often accompanied by anxiety, fear, and depression, which can lead to serious mental health conditions. As such, it is important to learn effective ways to safeguard your mental health when facing internet blackmail.
Seek Professional Help
One of the most effective ways to safeguard your mental health when facing internet blackmail is to seek professional help. Internet blackmail can lead to severe mental health conditions, and seeking professional help can help mitigate and manage these conditions, hence speeding up the healing process. An internet blackmail exposure consulting licensed therapist or counsellor can help you work through your fears and anxiety while providing much-needed guidance and support that is essential for recovery.
Limit the Duration of Internet Activity
Limiting the duration of internet activity is another way to safeguard your mental health. When facing blackmail, it is important to reduce the amount of time spent on the internet to avoid continuous exposure to threats and messages. As much as possible, avoid reading messages or emails that contain blackmail, as they can trigger anxiety, fear, and other emotions that can lead to serious mental and emotional turmoil.
Prioritise Self-Care
It is easy to overlook self-care when dealing with the stress of internet blackmail. However, this is the time when you need to prioritise taking care of yourself. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, yoga, or exercise. Also, prioritise a healthy diet and get plenty of rest. These activities and self-care measures can help reduce the impact of anxiety and depression, ultimately safeguarding your mental health. If you need to see your GP due to the stress or need medication to help you prescribed by a doctor, that is important too. Don’t suffer in silence.
Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member
It can be challenging to deal with internet blackmail alone. That’s why it’s important to talk to someone who can offer their support and advice. Share your situation with someone that you trust, such as a friend or a family member. They can offer an unbiased perspective, as well as much-needed emotional support. Talking to someone you trust can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that can often accompany this. If what is happening to you is illegal, you may want to speak to the Police or a helpline too.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an effective way to safeguard your mental health when facing internet blackmail. This involves paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness can help reduce the impact of negative emotions that can lead to anxiety and depression. By being present in the moment, you can gain a greater sense of control, which can help reduce the negative thoughts and feelings that accompany this.
In conclusion, dealing with internet blackmail is, without a doubt, stressful and overwhelming. However, you can take effective steps to safeguard your mental health by seeking professional help, limiting internet activity, practicing self-care, talking with a trusted friend, and practicing mindfulness. Remember, prioritising your mental health is essential during these trying times, and by following these steps, you can mitigate the impact of threats and ensure that you can heal and move forward.
This article was written by Brooke Chaplan, freelance writer.
Note: the author refers to USA divorce laws but the advice for mental health is the same.
Divorce is an extremely difficult process, emotionally and financially draining, and legally complex. Whether you are the one filing for divorce or the one who is served with divorce papers, this life-altering experience can take a toll on your mental health. With so many issues to consider – child custody, spousal support, property division, and more – navigating divorce law (USA) can be intimidating. But it’s important to prioritise your mental health during this challenging time. In this blog post, we will explore some ways to help you manage your mental health and navigate divorce law.
Focus on Self-Care
The first step to taking care of your mental health is to focus on self-care. Amidst all the chaos, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and seek help immediately if you feel overwhelmed. Make sure to carve out time for activities that you enjoy and engage in self-care rituals that make you feel good.
Seek Therapy
Divorce is a tough time, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Don’t hesitate to seek out professional help from a licensed therapist. A therapist can help you work through the complex emotions you’re feeling and provide you with coping mechanisms to manage your emotions proactively.
Find Emotional Support
Surround yourself with positive and supportive friends and family who will uplift and cheer you up. Find a support network of divorce recovery groups where you can share your experiences and get emotional support from people who understand what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and delegate tasks to relieve stress.
Stay Educated on Divorce Law(USA)
Divorce laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to stay educated about the laws that apply in your state. An understanding of the legal process can help you make better decisions and manage your legal battles more effectively. Consult with a qualified divorce attorney who can provide you with legal guidance and support.
Mediation
Consider mediation as a way to avoid going to court. It’s an opportunity to resolve your differences collaboratively and avoid contentious legal battles that can take a toll on your mental health. Mediation focuses on negotiating a settlement that works for both parties, and an experienced mediator can help you resolve issues like child custody, spousal support, property division, and more.
Going through a divorce is challenging, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Remember to take care of your mental health during this time by focusing on self-care, seeking therapy, finding emotional support, staying educated on divorce law, and considering mediation. You are not alone, and with the right support and guidance, you can successfully navigate the divorce process. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals if you need help.
This article was written by Brooke Chaplan, who is based in the USA. For UK and other divorce laws, please see your own country.
Addiction is a multifaceted problem that can impact individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their age, gender, or background. Whether it’s substance abuse, alcohol addiction, or behavioural disorders, seeking help is the first step to recovery. In this article, we will explore five ways to combat addiction and pave the way to a healthier, addiction-free life. Whether you’re personally grappling with addiction or you’re supporting someone on their path to recovery, these insights will provide valuable guidance for understanding and combating addiction effectively.
Seek Professional Help
The journey to recovery from addiction frequently commences with the essential step of seeking professional help. Therapists, counsellors, and healthcare providers play pivotal roles in guiding individuals toward a healthier, addiction-free life. For those dealing with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, specialised treatment centers, known as dual-diagnosis treatment centers, offer a higher level of care and a tailored approach to recovery. These centers are equipped to assess and address the root causes of addiction, including the often complex interplay of underlying mental health issues.
Build a Support System
In the journey of addiction recovery, building a robust support system is an invaluable asset. Building a support system involves connecting with loved ones and friends or engaging in support communities, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The path to recovery is undeniably challenging, and having a network of individuals who understand and care can make a significant difference.
Sharing experiences and challenges with others who have faced similar struggles can provide a unique bond and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and alienation that often accompany addiction. This shared journey toward recovery cultivates a sense of hope and resilience, proving to individuals that they are not alone in their pursuit of a healthier, addiction-free life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Behavioral therapy (CBT) is a known and highly effective method used in addiction treatment. CBT zeroes in on identifying and transforming negative thought patterns and behaviors intricately linked to addiction. Through collaboration with a therapist, people gain the ability to explore the seated origins of their addiction, which are frequently connected to past events or instances of trauma.
This profound self-reflection is a crucial initial step toward recovery. CBT equips individuals with the tools to challenge and modify self-destructive habits and beliefs, empowering them to break free from the cycle of addiction and pursue a life of lasting sobriety. CBT is not merely a therapeutic intervention; it’s a transformative journey that enables individuals to regain control over their lives, nurturing emotional resilience and self-awareness as they navigate the path to recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) contributes to aiding individuals in their quest to conquer addiction. This comprehensive strategy combines counselling and behavioural therapies with specific medications designed to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Substances like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can be prescribed as part of MAT, tailored to an individual’s unique needs. MAT is a significant aid in addressing the physical aspects of addiction, facilitating a more comfortable and effective journey toward recovery. By helping to manage the intense cravings and symptoms of withdrawal, MAT can make the process more manageable and increase the chances of successful, long-term recovery.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
In the pursuit of addiction recovery, the role of lifestyle changes and self-care cannot be overstated. A healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone for maintaining lasting recovery. Incorporating regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep are fundamental steps in restoring both physical and emotional well-being. These changes not only promote physical health but also contribute to emotional stability, fostering a more robust foundation for recovery. Additionally, self-care practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and stress management techniques play an instrumental role in reducing the risk of relapse.
By nurturing mental and emotional resilience, individuals can better cope with the challenges they may encounter on their journey toward a healthier, addiction-free life. These practices instill the necessary tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional triggers, ultimately enhancing an individual’s ability to make healthy choices and maintain a life free from addiction.
Conclusion
Overcoming addiction is a demanding yet crucial path for individuals battling it and their families. Seeking professional help, building a support system, engaging in therapies like CBT, considering medication-assisted treatment, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve the chances of recovery. It’s important to remember that addiction is a treatable condition, and with the right strategies and support, a fulfilling, addiction-free life is achievable.
Being a mother, let alone a new mother, is no easy task. New moms might find themselves flustered with the idea of being a parent for the first time ever. No longer do they only have to care for themselves but also a little one, too, who depends on them. Frustration, stress, and lack of sleep are all common for new mothers. So, how can they fix this? Here are some tips.
Sleep in the Same Room as Baby
Waking up every few hours in the night is no easy task. Having your sleep disrupted when in a groggy state is several times easier when your baby is close by to you.
Keep a crib or bassinet right next to your bed or at least a few feet away to reduce long walks throughout the house to tend to your baby in the night. This way, you can resume sleep as soon as possible.
Prepare a Feeding & Changing Station Before Bed
Another way to ensure proper rest and sanity as a new mom is to keep a feeding and changing station stocked before going to bed for the night. Keep diapers, wipes, rash cream, baby powder, and a change of clothes nearby. Also keep clean bottles and formula (if applicable) within close reach.
Don’t Skip the Bubble Baths
Good hygiene provides relaxation, which in turn, helps us feel more put together and well-rested. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a calming bubble bath to ease those tense muscles.
Keep Your Mental Health in Check
After having a baby, your mental health is of utmost importance. When you’re in a bad mental health state, it’s difficult to get quality sleep at night. You may have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or may be oversleeping. Either way, you find yourself feeling unrested.
Right now, your wellbeing and your baby’s well being matter most. A pile of dirty dishes? Leave it for tomorrow. Now is the time to prioritize your physical and mental state in the form of good rest. Unless there’s broken glass on the ground or a horrible stench in the house, the chores can be put off.
Get Physical
Even simply going on a walk around the block can be a great way to get exercise in. This in itself can be a relaxing activity. And as everyone knows, getting exercise can also allow you to get a better night’s rest.
Drinking Calming Teas
Turning to herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can be great ways to unwind after a hectic day as a new mom. Never underestimate the power of a hot beverage filled with calming herbs, especially before bedtime.
Conclusion
Being a new mother is going to be a challenge no matter how you look at it. However, what a mom can do differently to make things easier is to ensure she gets proper rest. With the latter tips, any overwhelmed, exhausted mom can get the rest and relaxation she needs to feel rejuvenated after a long day of parenting.
Losing someone dear to you can be emotionally and mentally draining, and at times, it can all feel overwhelming. Grief is a normal response to loss, and while it may seem challenging to find a way forward, there are several strategies that can help you work through it effectively and healthily. This blog post will look at five effective and healthy strategies that can help you work through grief, including counselling, self-care, and finding a support system.
Grief Counselling
Grief counselling is one of the most effective strategies to work through grief. At counselling, you can talk about your feelings, thoughts, and emotions about your loss, which helps you to understand your grief and find ways to work through it healthily. A counsellor can provide you with a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, learn coping techniques that work for you, and offer helpful suggestions to help you move forward. You could also consider joining a bereavement group, where you can listen to others and share your experiences of grief.
Self-Care
Grief can take a toll on your physical health, both emotionally and mentally. Practicing self-care is essential in helping you work through your grief effectively. Ensure that you take time to care for yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Engaging in mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can also help you feel calm and reduce anxiety.
Find a Support System
You don’t have to go through grief alone; surrounding yourself with people who care for you can help you manage and work through your grief healthily. You can find a support system in close friends, family members, or professional caregivers like hospice workers. The support system will offer you an ear to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, and will help you to continue with your day-to-day activities.
Journalling
Writing down your emotions and thoughts about your loss can be cathartic and helpful in working through your grief. Journalling helps you to identify and understand your feelings, and it gives you an outlet to express your emotions without fear of judgment from others. By exploring your emotions through writing, you can heal your emotional pain and find a way forward.
Seek New Experiences
The loss of someone or something dear to you can make the world seem dull and uninteresting. However, seeking new experiences can help you work through your grief. As scary as it may seem, engaging in new activities or pursuing new hobbies can distract your mind from your grief and help you get back to your normal routine. New experiences can offer you a sense of fulfillment, joy, and purpose.
Everyone grieves differently, but it’s vital to find a strategy that works for you and helps you work through your grief healthily. Grief takes time, and it may be a bumpy road, but with time, you can find ways to move forward while still remembering and loving the person you lost.
Hopefully these five effective and healthy strategies will offer some guidance to those who are mourning and trying to work through their grief. Remember that it’s okay not to be okay, and seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
This blog was written by freelance writer Lizzie Weakley.
We all know that being an entrepreneur comes with its fair share of exhilarating highs and daunting lows. The constant pressure to innovate, meet deadlines, lead, and overcome obstacles can take a toll on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
This is where stress management comes into play. It is important for entrepreneurs to manage their stress, as stress can affect creativity, energy and judgement. If you are an entrepreneur who needs guidance with stress management, read these five effective strategies below:
Strategy 1: Prioritise Self Care
Self-care is anything you do to take care of yourself – mentally and physically. By taking care of yourself, you promote relaxation. Although relaxation cannot take your stress away entirely, it sure helps.
Self-care can come in the form of walking around the block, meditating in your garden, taking a warm bath, or even picking up your guitar and pulling some strings.
To prioritise self-care, you must set up a self-care routine and stick to it; for example, every day after work, set aside an hour for meditation.
Strategy 2: Delegate And Outsource
As an entrepreneur, you might be used to doing everything independently. It is after all the hard work that got you to the point of owning a business. But you do not have to do everything anymore.
An overload of work causes an overload of stress, so start delegating and outsourcing tasks – it can be anything from delegating administrative tasks to outsourcing Content Marketing.
To give you peace of mind, find trustworthy people to handle these tasks for you. Hire the right team members and research and compare outsourcing partners to ensure you have the best.
Strategy 3: Improve Your Time Management Skills
Time management is a word that often gets entrepreneurs running in the opposite direction. It can seem like an insurmountable task to take on, especially when so many responsibilities come with running a business.
However, time management is essential for handling your stress. To better your time management skills, create a to-do list, set up a time-blocking system, and prioritise your daily tasks.
Luckily this is the modern age, so you can use many online time management tools – Trello or Asana are just two of them. So please don’t let stress get the best of you just because your day is filled with tasks; utilise these tools!
Strategy 4: Develop A Support Network
People need people, no matter their personality. If you are going through a tough time, reach out to your family members, your friends, or even a trusted business partner/employee.
Talking about how you are feeling is known to reduce stress because it gives you an outlet to vent.
So leverage the support of those closest to you; you will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Strategy 5: Adopt Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress reduction techniques are daily practices you can implement to help reduce your stress. Popular stress reduction techniques include deep breathing exercises, visualisation, and journalling.
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax by focusing on controlled, long breaths that slowly move in and out of your body. Visualisation involves visualising a calming scene or activity, such as a beach or a walk in the park. And journaling your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for difficult emotions.
You can always contact a professional if you’re unsure about these techniques. They have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach you how to effectively use each technique.
Start innovating, meeting deadlines, leading and overcoming obstacles with a healthy mindset.
By following these five effective stress management strategies, you will be an unstoppable entrepreneur!
Confidence is essential to everyday life, and it can be challenging to find when you need it. But don’t worry – there are simple steps that anyone can take in order to give themselves an instant boost of confidence. So if you want to become more self-assured and feel better about yourself, read on for seven easy tips that will help you build your self-confidence right away. From basic body language tricks to changing your mindset, these tips will help you feel more confident no matter the situation.
1) Understand The Benefits Of Self-Confidence
Understanding the benefits of self-confidence is the first step towards developing it for yourself. There are many advantages to having a healthy level of confidence that can help you overcome challenges, reach goals and enjoy life more fully. People with higher levels of confidence tend to be more successful in their relationships, careers, and academic and financial goals as they are less afraid to take risks.
Self-assured people also have improved mental health, better decision-making skills and a greater ability to trust themselves. They find it easier to cope with negative emotions such as fear and anxiety and feel more in control of their lives. With the right level of self-confidence, you can have the courage to pursue your dreams and live a meaningful life filled with joy, love and fulfillment.
2) Dress To Impress
One of the key things that can give anyone an instant boost in confidence is to dress for success. Clothing can significantly impact how you feel and how others perceive you. Dressing stylishly and with good taste can give you a sense of pride, increasing your self-esteem. The trick is to focus on creating an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident – one that best reflects your unique personality, style and essence.
When it comes to picking out an outfit, it’s essential to be aware of colours and patterns that bring out your best features. For example, wear darker or monochromatic colours if you want to draw attention away from certain areas. You may also want to consider accessorising with jewellery or scarves to complete your look, as these items can add texture and dimension to the overall ensemble.
3) Try A New Hairstyle
A new hairstyle can do wonders for your confidence, instantly making you look and feel more attractive. For those looking for a dramatic change, consider going for a bolder cut or colour. If you’re feeling adventurous, try something unique, like an edgy pixie cut or an ombre dye job. You could even wear trendy braids or funky buns if you’re daring.
For those who prefer a subtler approach, simple changes such as adding layers to your hair or tweaking the bangs can give you a refreshed look without drastically altering your appearance. However, no matter what hairstyle you choose, you should make sure that you know how to care for your hair. For example, caring for naturally wavy hair requires different techniques than caring for naturally straight hair. So be sure to do your research before you make any drastic changes.
(image: Alysha Rosly)
4) Improve Your Posture And Body Language
Improving your posture and body language is a great way to exude more confidence. This could be as simple as practising proper posture while walking, sitting or even standing still in place. Standing tall with your shoulders back, chest out and head up will instantly make you appear more confident and assertive. Practising good body language, such as maintaining eye contact, using open gestures and leaning forward when interacting with others, is also essential. Doing this can help you express yourself better and project an air of self-assurance.
Subtle changes in how you interact with people can go a long way in improving your confidence level. For example, instead of crossing your arms defensively when talking to someone, try adopting an open stance with your arms at your sides or folded across the front of your body. Smiling warmly also helps create a sense of trustworthiness and openness which are key elements for establishing connections with other people. These small changes in behaviour can make all the difference when it comes to making a positive first impression and building relationships based on trust and respect.
5) Develop A Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is essential for gaining self-confidence and feeling good about yourself. It’s important to remember that your thoughts have a significant impact on how you feel, so learning to manage and control them can be extremely beneficial. To develop a positive mindset, practising daily affirmations and recognising your past successes is essential. This will help empower you to move forward and tackle any challenges that come your way.
It’s also essential to cultivate a sense of gratitude in order to foster a more positive outlook on life. Practising gratitude means taking the time to acknowledge the blessings in your life, whether big or small. This could be anything from appreciating a beautiful sunrise to recognising family and friends’ support when you need it most. Doing this will create an attitude of positivity and appreciation, which helps build confidence over time.
6) Surround Yourself With Positive People
Surrounding yourself with positive people is an essential part of building your confidence. Positive people can provide you with encouragement, support, and motivation when you need it most. With the right social circle, you can feel more secure and supported in times of doubt and insecurity. Research has also shown that having a strong support system can help with stress relief and improve mental health and emotional well-being.
Seek out those who support your goals and dreams by joining clubs or groups related to your interests. Doing so can open up new friendships that bring out the best in each other. It’s also beneficial to create activities that bring friends together, such as game nights, brunches, and movie marathons—all of which will provide an excellent opportunity to unwind together after a long week. If time or distance prevents meeting up with friends in person, stay connected through video calls, text messages, and even sending surprise packages now and then as small gestures of appreciation for one another’s company.
7) Set Goals And Visualise Success
Setting goals and visualising success is a powerful confidence-building exercise. By setting clear, achievable goals, you can gain a sense of direction and purpose, which helps build your self-esteem. Visualisation has also been shown to be an effective tool for achieving success in life. By focusing on the desired outcomes of a situation or task, you can better prepare yourself mentally for the challenges ahead.
The power of visualisation should not be underestimated because it can help unlock inner resources and hidden potential that remain untapped without this practice. Using mental imagery techniques involves focusing on the end result you desire to achieve, picturing yourself succeeding in each step along the way, learning from any mistakes or missteps that may occur and believing in yourself and your abilities to reach the goal. Additionally, regularly engaging in visualisation allows you to tap into creative problem-solving skills that could lead to innovative solutions you may not have thought of otherwise.
There are many simple things that anyone can do to give themselves an instant boost of confidence. From making physical changes to developing a positive mindset and surrounding yourself with supportive people, practising these daily habits will help increase your self-confidence over time. By setting achievable goals and visualising success, you can unlock inner resources and hidden potential that will open the door for greater opportunities and successes.
You’ve probably heard people talk a lot about self-care, but is it something you do for yourself? Self-care has many benefits for your health and wellbeing, but it’s easy to let life get in the way of taking care of yourself.
Self-care covers many basic things to help you stay fit and healthy, but it can also mean putting yourself first and taking a little ‘you’ time to get back on track. If you’ve been a little overwhelmed or run down, then taking some time for self-care could be what you need to bounce back.
Below you’ll find some of the things you can do to practice some self-care and do something great for yourself this week.
Check in on your health
How healthy do you feel right now? If you’re constantly tired, feeling run down or battling cold after cold, it could be a sign that you need to take care of yourself a little better. Forming some new healthy habits, including eating better and getting eight hours of sleep a night, can make a big difference to your health and make you feel more energised during the day.
Could your health do with a little boost? Shake yourself out of some bad habits and take some steps to put your health first.
Do something for yourself
Self-care can be about doing things for yourself, and that could include treating yourself too. Focus on doing things that will have a real benefit – a new hairstyle, for example, can work wonders for your self-esteem and give you a huge boost.
You could also decide to do something that’s been on your mind for a while. Do you have crooked teeth? Why not get some clear aligners and start transforming your smile? This could boost your confidence in a big way and is an investment in yourself worth making.
You may want to look after your emotions and speak to a therapist, journal, do some gentle exercise or speak to a friend.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s something for yourself that will make you happy and give you the lift you need.
Take an evening to relax and rebalance
We all need some time to pamper ourselves, and an evening of self-care could be just what you need. Consider it a mental health day, to help you take care of your mental health and help you find your balance again.
It could be as simple as lighting some candles, having a bath and treating yourself with a face mask – find things that keep you calm and relaxed and will help you shut off from the world for a little while. Make it a regular part of your routine to give you something to aim for as a reward for all of your hard work.
It’s easy to take self-care for granted, but it’s incredibly important to take care of yourself. Take a good look at your current lifestyle and whether there are changes you could make to improve your self-care. Putting yourself first isn’t a bad thing, and doing more of it could be just what you need to feel better inside and out.
How many people do you think are currently struggling with their mental health and want to know how to improve it? The answer will probably surprise you; around a quarter of the population have a mental health disorder, and this can either be minor or something that needs serious medical attention.
That’s a huge number, and it could be that you are one of these people. If that’s the case, it’s crucial to know what you can do to improve your mental health and ensure that you start to feel better. Of course, medication and therapy can be the ideal solutions in some cases, and it’s important to see a medical professional for help no matter what. However, if you can do as much as you can at home to help yourself, things will get a lot better.
Read on for some useful suggestions about some small but powerful ways to improve your mental health.
Take Mental Health Breaks Throughout The Day
If you’re feeling as though you’re struggling with your mental health on any given day, you should be able to take a mental health day. This means staying home and doing what you need to do to feel more positive. This will be down to you, but some people like to go for walks in nature, catch up on sleep, read a book, enjoy a spa day at home, and so much more.
However, if you can’t take a whole day for any reason (although it’s wise to try if you can), taking a mental health break of anything from ten minutes to a couple of hours is the next best thing. When you are starting to feel overwhelmed, take some time for yourself. Not only can you protect your mental health in this way, but taking breaks when you’re busy can actually make you more productive rather than put you behind because when you get back to what you were doing, you are more focused and feeling healthier.
Look For The Positives
As much as we all love technology, sometimes it serves as a negative force in our lives. Social media, 24-hour news feeds, online newspapers, and even channels like YouTube, can offer us a glimpse of the bad things that are happening around us, and when you have a mental health disorder, this can make things worse. Even if there are positive things happening, it can be hard to see them through all the negative things.
However, in order to improve your mental health, it’s important to change things and ignore the negative to see the positive. The easiest way to do this to begin with is with your own life. Stop scrolling through social media if you know it upsets you and makes you angry, and instead focus on the good things all around you. That could be anything, no matter how small. Perhaps you notice a flower blooming. Your coffee might be delicious. Your little one might make you laugh now that you’ve seen ways to help your baby rollover. There are hundreds of tiny but important positive things happening all around you all the time. When you are feeling down, look for them. This will help to make you feel better, but it will also distract you from your feelings, and that will improve your mental health as well.
Ask For Help When You Need It
They say that communication is the cornerstone to a healthy relationship, and that is true not only with other people but also with yourself. If you trust your partner or a friend, it might help to talk about some of the problems you’re having and get those concerns out of your brain. This can help make things clearer. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open when you feel safe to do so. Emotional stress can sometimes make other problems worse in your relationships with your spouse and other people.
And if you feel like you can’t talk about your mental health, there are multiple types of therapeutic interventions that might help you work through some of the problems you’re having.
When you start to feel like you can’t handle day-to-day tasks or when you often think bad things about yourself or other people, it might be time to ask for help or talk to someone about what’s been going on.
Exercise Every Day
When you stay active and work out every day, your blood flow improves all over your body. With more oxygen in your body and more blood flow, you feel more energetic, fresh, and mentally alert.
If you work in an office, it’s even more important to exercise and do other physical things. Exercise not only keeps our bodies in good shape, but it also keeps our minds in good shape. You don’t have to pay a lot to join a gym to do that. A simple walk is all you need. The most important thing is to do this every day.
Exercise is good for your mental health, but it also makes your bones and muscles stronger, which keeps you from getting hurt while working out or running errands. Since being injured can be a terrible thing for your mental health, exercise can help in this way too.
Expose Yourself To Sunlight (Carefully)
A lack of vitamin D can lead to a number of mental health problems, like Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. When you go outside in the sun, your body releases endorphins, which are also known as “happiness hormones.” These hormones make your brain work better.
So, take a break from your normal routine (which we already know is a good thing to do) and go outside. But make sure you wear sunscreen so you don’t get a sunburn.
Learn To Live In The Present
When a person stays stuck in the past, they are more likely to have mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Negative self-talk like “Why did people do this to me?” steals a person’s happiness and makes them miss opportunities in the present. Try not to think too much about the future and learn to live in the present. By doing this, we can be much more prepared for anything that might happen in the future, so there is no need to worry about it.
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