When discussing the topic of self-care, most people tend to think of fitness and diet routines. While these certainly are important elements of being good to yourself, mental health practices are also essential to living your best, healthiest life. Mind Trek is an exceptional resource for helping strengthen mental health, improve self-care, and create balance and a sense of well-being in your world.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is the practice of being intentional in carving out time to focus on taking care of yourself, even in the midst of a hectic life in which you’re likely caring for others as well as maintaining a career. According to the Mayo Clinic, when we get overwhelmed or run down, it can manifest in physical and mental distress in the form of depression and anxiety. This has the potential to impact personal relationships, professional responsibilities, and our overall sense of well-being. Fortunately, there are effective ways to cope.
Basic Health Practices
In addition to ensuring a healthy diet and regular exercise regime, it’s also important to get enough quality sleep. According to Healthline, this means setting regular sleep and wake times, and limiting distractions prior to bedtime. Eliminate the use of screens, try not to watch television in bed, and create a cool, quiet environment to sleep in. If you have a partner who snores or has an alternate work schedule, consider aids like white noise machines, sleep masks, blackout curtains, and circulating air. If you’re having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor about natural remedies, like Sleepytime tea.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress comes about in different ways, and individual stress reduction techniques vary widely as well. Yoga, meditation, guided relaxation response, and things like getting back to nature, listening to favorite music, or participating in a hobby or craft you enjoy can all aid in reducing stress. Eating a well-balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and getting adequate physical activity can allow you to stay in a healthy physical and mental state. If anxiety is extreme, your primary care provider may be able to recommend different methods for managing your stress levels, including homeopathic or alternative holistic approaches.
Natural Remedies
Many people forgo medical intervention for stress, anxiety, and depression because they’re wary of “what people might think.” However, your healthcare provider is your partner and advocate for your wellbeing, so have honest and forthright conversations about health challenges. You may be able to employ natural remedies, possibly alone, or in coordination with talk therapy aimed at reducing anxiety levels. Don’t allow misgivings about mental health stigmas stop you from reaching out for help when you need it.
Learn to Say No
Stress often arises when we say yes to everything, even to non-essential requests that could easily be passed on. Finances can also be a major cause of stress. Setting a budget, saving money, and looking at options like refinancing your home can all help relieve financial pressures. If you have equity in your house, a refinance/cash-out option can help you consolidate or pay off debt, as well as secure a lower interest rate and a lower monthly mortgage payment. Having this degree of financial security can create a positive sense of well-being and reduce money worries.
Stress is part of everyday life, but it doesn’t have to lead to long-term mental health issues. When managed appropriately, you can take control of your life and find innovative and impactful ways to proactively address all challenges.
To learn more about how Mind Trek can help you find a healthy balance in life with a focus on your mental health and wellbeing, visit the website or reach out via phone or email for more information.
