5 Types of Self-Care That Can Boost Your Mood

You know that feeling when you’ve simply got SO much going on that you decide not to do anything? Sometimes it seems like all the stressors in life come together to create the perfect storm of fatigue, anxiety, overwhelm, and eventual burnout.

We’ve all been there - especially during these challenging times brought forth by COVID-19. The good news is you have the power to move from surviving to thriving no matter what life throws your way with the power of proper self-care.

Self-care is one of those trendy buzzwords that can conjure up images of relaxing bubble baths and weekend spa retreats. This is just another one of society’s misconceptions because, in reality, proper self-care doesn’t have to cost a dime. It’s also not just a trend- it’s a necessity!

Why?

Because self-care helps improve your physical and mental health and reduces the effects of prolonged stress on your mind and body. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.

Think about the last time you flew on an airplane. You were instructed to apply your oxygen mask first before helping others. Metaphorically speaking, there are probably lots of times in our daily lives when we forget about our oxygen masks (the essentials and necessities of our wellness) because we’re too busy and focused on helping others.

In honor of International Self-Care Day, slow down and add these self-care tips to your daily routine.

Meet Your Basic Needs

Are you eating, drinking, and sleeping enough? If not, start here! Remember that proper self-care doesn’t have to be luxurious or indulgent. Sometimes getting 7 hours of sleep instead of 6 can make a big difference in the way you feel. You can use food as fuel for your mind, body, and soul. Never underestimate the importance of proper nutrition, sleep, and hydration when it comes to your health and wellness.

Keep Moving

​Physical wellness can impact other areas of your overall health. If training for a marathon or lifting weights every morning is simply too much for you to even think about, change your fitness mindset! Focus on incorporating movement into your daily routine. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. You might be surprised how simple lifestyle changes can add up. Go for a walk with your family, take the stairs, or play with your children outside.

Set Healthy Boundaries

The average American worker puts in 44 hours of work per week! It’s clear we’re a work-driven culture that’s connected 24/7 making it difficult to take a break and unplug. Now, amid a global pandemic, people are experiencing additional stress trying to find a work/life balance now more than ever.

However, no matter how demanding your career, there’s always room to incorporate self-care. From a professional standpoint, self-care can be about setting boundaries with coworkers or creating a list of small goals for each day to avoid a burnout. Bring balance and organization to your life by managing your work/life schedule so you don’t overextend yourself too much on one day.

Focus On Emotional Self-Care

Staying mentally healthy is another important part of self-care. Your psychological well-being is about self-compassion and personal acceptance. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, then don’t say it to yourself. Do things that make you happy in life. Build meaningful relationships and let go of the ones that don’t add to your happiness.

Avoid unnecessary stress and overwhelming feelings by focusing on the moment at hand. Meditation—which is just about bringing your focus to the present moment— has a whole host of benefits. It’s a lot easier to think about all the things that are going wrong than to remember the things that are actually going right. Mindfulness can help you focus on all of the goodness in your life to help create a positive outlook and mood.

Find Professional Support

Self-care is about putting yourself first and reconnecting with your thoughts, feelings, and general wellness. Common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD can prevent you from thriving in life. You don’t have to suffer alone or in silence. There are many successful treatments available that can change your life!

“We focus on whole-person wellness by taking a holistic approach at Pacific Mind Health”, said Dr. Mottsin Thomas. “We offer both traditional and new approaches to mood disorders that help our patients improve their quality of life and personal satisfaction”, Dr. Flatow said.

Above all, the most important thing you can remember is that self-care is NOT selfish...it’s essential! Self-care is about being as kind to yourself as you would be to others. It’s also about setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion to prevent a burnout. It’s all about taking care of yourself.

Our team is here to help you feel better. We want mental healthcare to be accessible to anyone who needs it, without adding additional hassle. Since our inception, we have offered telemedicine video appointments that allow you to be seen from the comfort of your home. It's easy, convenient, and makes continuity of care easier than ever. Give us a call today!