Self-care can differ from one person to another. But on a fundamental level, practising self-care means caring for yourself mentally and physically. For many, taking care of physical health can positively impact their mental health. It means taking the time to do things to improve our overall well-being, which helps manage stress, increase energy, and lower the risk of illnesses. Thus, prioritising self-care is essential in helping to maintain overall positive mental health.
Here’s what you need to know about the impact of self-care on mental health.
- The Benefits of Self Care
Self-care does not only mean seeking comfort. It comes with immense benefits, especially in improving our overall well-being. An essential aspect of self-care is looking after our body and being more attuned to its needs, from brushing our teeth to exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.
Aside from improving our physical health, self-care can help reduce anxiety and stress. Making time for relaxing activities, such as listening to our favourite music, taking a warm bath, and practising yoga or meditation are some of the most common examples of self-care. Any activity that can help you feel more relaxed can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Self-care can boost your self-esteem, which can be beneficial if you lack self-confidence. Aside from helping to calm your nerves, relaxing and looking after yourself can positively impact how you see yourself. Self-care can mean treating yourself with kindness and encouraging you to be gentler towards yourself. Studies found that people with higher self-esteem will find it easier to handle setbacks and are more likely to achieve self-improvement.
While self-care can improve our physical health, it can benefit our mental health the most. Prioritising self-care can help manage mental health issues and lower your risk of mental illnesses.
- How Self Care Improves your Physical Health
Some aspects of self-care involve eating well-balanced meals, exercising, and doing skincare routines. These activities can have a positive impact on overall physical health. In the same way that mental health affects physical health, taking care of our physical health can positively impact our mental health.
Several studies have revealed an important correlation between mental and physical health. According to one study, those with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are more likely to develop skin conditions such as psoriasis.
We know about healthy practices to improve physical health, such as eating the right foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Neglecting these needs can hurt more than our physical health.
For instance, you may want to skip a few hours of sleep to binge on your favourite TV show. However, a large study found that sleep deprivation affects physical and mental health, increasing one’s risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Self-care can mean getting regular exercise. Studies show that physical activity can help improve concentration and cognitive abilities, such as memory and attention. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help improve mental health, positively impacting overall physical well-being.
- How to Practice Self Care
Incorporating self-care into your daily life is like picking up a new hobby and being committed to it. You can also treat yourself to luxury medical spa treatments, which are great for working on mental health and self-care. Some self-care activities may only last for a short time. And if you find that something is not for you, that’s okay. Remember, your self-care journey is different from others.
The first step to practising self-care is assessing your needs. Create a list of the numerous aspects of your life and activities you engage in daily, such as work and school. Identify the areas you consider are your stressors and look for ways to address these.
Next, devise self-care strategies that can work for you. Think of those activities that you believe can help you feel better. Examples are spending time with friends and establishing healthy social connections.
If you realise you are neglecting some aspects of your life in your self-care journey, devise a change of plan. More importantly, take it slow. You do not need to tackle everything at once. Begin with small steps until caring for yourself becomes a healthy habit.
- The Different Types of Self Care
Knowing the different types of self-care is essential for your self-care journey. Aside from mental and physical self-care, other types include spiritual, social, financial, and professional self-care.
Emotional self-care allows us to process emotions better. When we spiral out of control, these can affect our professional and personal relationships. Some healthy practices for emotional self-care include journaling, meditation, and therapy.
Mental self-care means learning to manage our mental well-being. It can include listening to podcasts, reading a book, and trying a new hobby. Anything that can get you out of a mental rut is considered mental self-care.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet are examples of physical self-care. Remember that physical self-care is not the same for everyone. You should know your goals and the steps to become physically healthy.
Social self-care is essential for people suffering from social isolation and loneliness – two of the most common causes of depression. However, social self-care can be complicated. For some people, family relationships can be a nourishing source of mental well-being. But for others, it can be a source of stress. Thus, it’s essential to identify what works best for you.
- Finding Purpose Through Self Care
Mental health experts agree that a meaningful and long-term goal is good for overall well-being. Those who are mentally healthy seem to have a deep sense of purpose in life. Thus, finding a purpose through self-care can be good for mental health.
Having a purpose in life can be linked to many benefits. Research suggests that it can lead to better health and longer life. That’s because having a sense of purpose can help us feel better. Using your skills to help others in a way that matters the most to you can benefit your mental health.
Finding your purpose is something that you can develop naturally throughout your self-care journey. Some people can find a sense of purpose through deliberate meditation, self-reflection, and exercises. Sometimes, talking to another person about their purpose may help you realise your own.
