Do you ever find yourself getting burnt out from your responsibilities? Work can be stressful with high demands for production and performance. Parenting is a blessing but also comes with overwhelming feelings and insecurities questioning if you’re doing it right. Unforeseen circumstances can make us feel out of control and hopeless at times. There are so many events that can cause unpleasant or undesirable feelings. But it is important to remember that we have control over how we take care of ourselves.
Self-care is a key ingredient to maintaining emotional and mental health, but is often unpracticed by many. We find ourselves feeling so burdened with the demands of life that they get the best of us. Neglecting regular self-care can lead to a lack of motivation and energy to tend to our responsibilities, conflict in relationships, negative thoughts and feelings about self, and a lack of interests in things that we once found joy in. Below are some examples for ways to actively practice self-care:
Check-in with yourself
It may not always be clear what is needed to recharge and refuel. Practicing a daily check-in to identify how we are feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally is a great starting point. Actively being aware of our feelings and emotions can be empowering in taking the next step to coping effectively. When we feel a sense of control in our lives, we feel more equipped to take better care of ourselves.
Process your thoughts
Many of us harbor thoughts and feelings and do not always provide a healthy outlet for them. We internalize these vulnerable parts of ourselves instead of giving them a place to rest. Consider finding a safe space such as a journal or a safe person to share these feelings with, if you prefer to keep these thoughts private.
Take care of your body
Regular exercise is one of the most underused forms of medicine. Any form of body movement can help decrease stress and anxiety and improve moods. Regardless of your exercise of choice, walking/running, yoga, boxing, weight lifting or Zumba; these are all great ways to take care of our physical health. Incorporating a balanced meal plan and getting the recommended amount of sleep can also support healthy mood management.
Engage in healthy relationships
Time with others is a valuable way to promote self-care. Whether it be with friends, family or a partner, taking time to connect with others supports our emotional and mental health. Schedule regular time to talk, share a meal, or try a fun, new activity with someone you enjoy to enhance positive moods.
Ground yourself
We all have personal beliefs systems whether religion, morals, or values that are important to us. Practicing our faith, engaging in mindfulness or prayer, and meditating are all forms of self-care. When life gets overwhelming and we feel out of control, grounding ourselves in our truths and absolutes can help us return to our baseline.
Life becomes overwhelming and stressful for many reasons that are within or outside of our control. Although we cannot always prevent these stressors, we can be intentional on how to take care of ourselves so that they do not get the best of us. If we are able to identify and validate our feelings, we can explore options for coping in a healthy and effective manner.
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