Psychology professor Noam Shpancer says mental health isn’t a destination, it’s a process: It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.
And for good mental health, self-care is crucial. “Self-care is giving yourself time and attention to live well and improve your physical and emotional health. It can help you manage stress, reduce your chances of getting sick, and have energy,” says clinical psychologist Shipra Arora.
Unfortunately, many people assume that personal care is a luxury and not a priority. This leaves them feeling overwhelmed, tired and ill-equipped to deal with the curveballs and challenges they face, adds mental health counselor Rajeev Kapur.
“Self-care is important to build resilience against stress-inducing agents in life. When you take steps to care for your mind, body, and soul, you are better equipped to live a meaningful life,” says psychology professor Namrata Khurrana.
These experts suggest some quick and easy tips to help you start your self-care journey:
Identify your needs and stressors: You can start by dividing your life priorities into different segments: family, work, relationships, friends, etc. Then list the factors that stress you out or interrupt your normal schedule.
Small steps: Don’t try to handle everything by yourself and all at once. Taking small steps is the best way to start taking better care of yourself and those around you.
Schedule time for yourself: Your responsibilities and relationships are important, but so are you. Prioritizing yourself is just as important. Find time to dedicate to yourself in your daily schedule.
Exercise regularly: Take just 30 minutes a day and do an exercise routine. Brisk walks or warm-up exercises can help lift your spirits and improve your health.
Eat healthy and stay hydrated: A healthy body is the key to a healthy mind. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated will keep you energetic and focused throughout the day. Limiting your intake of caffeinated beverages and sugary products will also help in this case.
Prioritize good sleep: Try to set a schedule and stick to it so you can get a good night’s sleep. Reduce exposure to blue light from your laptop, mobile phone and other devices some time before bed as it is a deterrent.
Do some relaxation activities: Incorporating relaxation activities such as reading a book, journaling, gardening, meditation, painting, yoga, etc. in your daily life can go a long way in improving your mental health and helping you de-stress. Set aside time each day for these activities.
Have gratitude and positivity: Deliberately take time to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Enjoy and value your small victories. If necessary, write down these victories so that you can review them from time to time. Identify negative and unhealthy thoughts and keep them at bay.
Feel free to seek help and support: If you feel stressed or overwhelmed by something, contact your friends or family or, if necessary, experts. Opening up to them can provide emotional support and help in times of distress.
While the self-care journey is different for everyone, a few small life changes can help universally. So even if self-care isn’t a cure for mental anguish, understanding what triggers it and developing a coping mechanism can help manage these issues.
