One of the common definitions of self-care is the practice of actively taking steps to preserve or improve one’s own health. Another one is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, and, more specifically during periods of stress. So this is you- taking charge of your own mental well-being as an informed individual. These steps can be gradual as you embrace a “new you” especially at the beginning of the year. For me, this is a simple remedy in rebuilding your life energy that has been depleted through stress and anxiety that is a daily process.
When thinking of mental fatigue, anguish, and loss, it is easy to figure out that self-care is very important as far as your own personal mental health goes. So what is it really? It is the deliberate act of consciously doing healthy things that make you feel good. Notice the word-healthy. This can be simply walking the dog or trying something new for the first time. For me, it’s getting back to my own creativity. Self-care, I feel, should be constructive and creative. For some, this may look like doing something with art, music, theater, writing, the outdoors, and even with spirituality. For others, it is getting to be a kid again.
Self-care can easily be integrated with family activities, and often it is a license to have fun as long as it is healthy. For many of my clients, this is a given. We specifically work on activities that promote self-esteem, emotional stability, and strengthen mental well-being. For your mind, these types of new activities open new pathways of thought, creativity, and tranquility. This can be simple activities such as hobbies that you have given up or maybe aspirations that you have laid aside long ago in exchange for the rat race of life.
With that in mind, you may want to consider what outlets you are currently engaging in that may not be healthy and make up your mind to do something else with your time and energy that is more productive. You may want to try a new approach through modern therapy for ideas and insights that you have never considered and that promote health and wellness based decisions. You could be one decision away from the very best version of yourself or the career choice of your dreams. I believe that those “power moves” can start with the simple act of using self-care to promote healthy attitudes and positivity about yourself. J