Four Examples Of Self-Care: Social Support, Hobbies, And More
When we think about practicing self-care, the first thing that comes to mind may be activities like exercise, meditation, and preparing healthy meals. While these can all be effective ways to boost our mental and physical health, they aren’t necessarily easy for everyone. Although the idea is generally to provide pleasant and enjoyable strategies to help us cope with stress, for some people, practicing self-care may seem like adding more obligations to the ones they already have. For instance, someone experiencing the difficult symptoms of depression and anxiety may have a difficult time getting out of bed, much less leaving the house to take a walk. Less common self-care strategies, such as setting boundaries, moderating your social media presence, creating something, and joining a support group, can be beneficial. A licensed therapist can help you formulate an effective self-care plan online or in person.
1. Set boundaries
Ideally, every relationship we have would contribute to our mental wellness and enhance our sense of well-being. But this isn’t always everyone’s experience, and chances are, you may have a relationship or two that doesn't serve your well-being. These people may invalidate your feelings, make you feel bad about yourself, or perhaps even disrespect your belief system.
Regardless of the circumstances, you might take a moment to reevaluate the list of people you let into your life. Sometimes, it can be necessary to distance ourselves from toxic people for the sake of our mental health and self-care. While we usually can’t control how others behave, in many circumstances, we do have control over whom we spend time with.
During this process, you should also take a moment and consider the positive people and influences you want in your life. Surrounding yourself with those individuals can be a form of self-care.
2. Moderate your social media presence
Social media can have its advantages. We may connect with friends and family, learn about things that interest us, and more. However, spending too much time online browsing indiscriminately can be unhealthy. The posts you see daily can prompt you to compare yourself to others, despite the often-false representation of “perfection” that people so often display on social media platforms. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy that can have a profound effect on your mental health.
While many people spend a lot of careful time and effort filtering their photos to look their best, people on social media don’t always take the same care when filtering their thoughts and opinions. Sometimes, the virtual interactions we have aren’t positive contributions to our well-being.
Curbing our online habits can be a good way to practice self-care. Try to limit your time on social media platforms or forums that don’t contribute positively to your mental health. Be mindful of how you interpret the information you receive. Anything or anyone that makes you feel bad about yourself should probably go. Some people choose to eliminate their social media presence altogether.
3. Explore new hobbies like journaling or creating art
Engaging in a creative activity can be a proven way to positively contribute to mental health. This could be as simple as coloring in a coloring book or as involved as building a piece of furniture. Whatever inspires your creative spirit may be worth a try.
This type of self-care doesn’t have to cost money, either. If you’re not ready to invest in a new creative endeavor, you might try your hand at writing poetry or cell phone photography. Learn about the birds native to your area and begin documenting the ones you observe outside your window. Cultivate a garden or practice singing.
4. Join a support group online or in your community
Joining a support group can be an excellent way to practice self-care. It may not be easy for everyone; it often takes bravery to reach out for help. But when we commune with a community of like-minded people looking for self-improvement strategies, we may gain practical knowledge, social benefits, and the satisfaction of communicating with others who understand our challenges.
There are usually support groups for a wide variety of concerns and interests, from anxiety and depression chat rooms to forums for people who want to make healthier everyday choices. A quick online search can provide you with information regarding how to join an in-person group in your community or meet up online from the comfort of your home.
When self-care seems overwhelming
The strong relationship between physical and mental self-care and overall health may necessitate giving this practice the attention it deserves. Taking responsibility for your own well-being may seem daunting for some, but by starting small and getting support from a professional, you can start on the road to excellent self-care.
When you choose to work on your mental health, you’re generally choosing to put your well-being at the forefront of your priorities. But many people need support when it comes to cultivating good mental health. It can be difficult to know where to begin and how to navigate the process.
Therefore, many people who prioritize their mental health choose to speak to a therapist on a regular basis. A mental health professional can help you uncover the source of your challenges, understand your relationship with them, and create a strategy to cope with the things you can’t release completely.
Benefits of online therapy
With the rise in popularity of online therapy, it’s generally easier than ever to get help. Platforms like BetterHelp are often specifically designed to match individuals with mental health professionals who have experience helping people create a plan to care for their mental health. You can speak to a therapist online on your schedule from anywhere with an internet connection.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Although not much research currently exists that is specifically focused on the efficacy of online therapy for creating a self-care plan, a growing body of evidence generally suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. It can treat a wide variety of mental health disorders and concerns.
Takeaway
What are good questions to ask about self-care?
You might ask yourself the following questions when thinking about self-care:
- How can I ensure my needs are being met on a daily basis?
- In which areas do I need to spend more time or pay more attention?
- How can I promote good physical, mental, and emotional health for myself?
It may also be helpful to ask your healthcare provider about what types of physical and mental self-care activities you should include in your self-care routine in order to maintain health.
What are a few examples of self-care?
A few examples of self-care might include:
- Making sure you set aside enough time for sleep every night
- Taking a few minutes for yourself with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning
- Prioritizing a balanced diet while allowing yourself to enjoy treats in moderation
- Seeking a healthy work/life balance
- Setting aside time to spend with friends and family
How does self-care support your everyday life?
Self-care can support your everyday life by empowering you to take care of your physical and mental health so that you can take care of your responsibilities and achieve your goals.
Do mindfulness and self-care improve quality of life?
Self-care can improve your quality of life by reducing your stress levels, improving physical and mental health, and giving you the capacity to care for others by first meeting your own needs. It is often promoted by palliative care nurses in order to improve the psychological health of patients as well.
What are the benefits of focusing on self-care and relaxation?
The benefits of focusing on self-care can include increased energy levels, less stress, and decreased risk of illness.
Why is it important to take care of our own health and well-being?
When we care for our own health and well-being, we’re usually better equipped to manage our responsibilities and care for our loved ones.
Why is self-care more important than pursuing your purpose?
Self-care may not necessarily be more important than pursuing your purpose, but it may help you in your quest to pursue your purpose. Often, it can seem impossible to achieve your goals unless you’re taking care of yourself and ensuring your physical and mental health are maintained. Self-care can promote healthy functioning and manage stress.
How does self-care impact personal success?
Self-care may provide you with the energy and motivation needed to achieve personal success. Without self-care, you may find yourself experiencing high stress levels and burnout. Spending time on regular self-care activities in your daily life can promote health, prevent disease, reduce stress, manage mental illness, and provide you with healthy coping strategies to employ when challenges arise.
How do sleep, exercise, and meditation benefit you?
Putting yourself first can seem difficult, but you might start by setting aside a few minutes a day to do an activity that makes you feel happy. Once that begins to feel more natural, you might choose to build additional self-care practices into your day. Practicing self-care can involve exercising, socializing, eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of sleep, and enjoying hobbies, among other activities.
How do you prioritize yourself and your mental health?
To prioritize yourself and your mental health, you may first need to realize that you deserve to do so. You might start by considering the way you speak to yourself and adjusting your thought patterns to be kinder. Consider various aspects of self-care, such as emotional self-care, spiritual self-care, and social self-care. Think about how you might take care of your needs in each of these areas and set aside time for them.
Are relaxation and mindfulness meditation forms of self-care?
What hobbies can I try for self-care?
What activities can I do on a self-care day?
Are sleep and exercise forms of self-care?
What type of self-care is journaling an example of?
What are examples of bad self-care?
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