As we continue with Mental Health Awareness Month, I will be posting weekly key messages, along with statistics and resources, so that you can advocate and also raise awareness around mental health. By learning the facts and sharing the resources, you can make a difference in the life of someone struggling.
Week 2 Message: Self Care
We all have mental health, and it is important for us to take care of ourselves. Self-care is the practice of taking care of oneself. It takes purposeful effort, but it can help with maintaining or improving our daily mental well-being.
It is important to note that self-care is not a selfish act and doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. It can be whatever you make it and is an intentional way to love yourself. There are many different forms of self-care, and it is important for you to find out what works best for you. Below are a few different forms of self-care, according to the Mental Health Coalition.
- Physical: Addresses stress that lives in your body. It alleviates pain or tension that either causes or results from mental stress. This can include massage, fitness, aromatherapy, pampering and rest.
- Emotional: Involves tending to your own internal emotional world, especially your mood and feelings. This can include connection with others, counseling, journaling, creative writing, and art.
- Cognitive: Engages in activities that are intellectually rewarding and/or stimulating. This can include reading, writing, listening to podcasts or books, watching movies, and therapy.
- Spiritual: This can take many different forms and does not have to be tied to formal religion. It means getting in touch with the less tangible aspects of yourself and the world around you. This can include meditation, prayer, connecting with a spiritual or religious community, and mantras.
To better care for yourself, identify a few different forms of self-care that you would like to try or have tried and liked. Schedule a time to engage in and enjoy these forms of self-care, and continue regularly until it becomes a part of your daily life.
Stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~
