Photo Credit: Jernej Graj

Self-care means different things for everyone and today we’ll be exploring the concept a bit more. In an attempt to add some defining features of self-care, self-care involves activities that nurture our physical, mental and emotional health. We must take time for ourselves on some level if we want to lead healthy lives with balance and care—and this is where self-care comes in! Incorporating elements of self-care into everyday life can help us combat burnout while promoting overall well being which impacts every area of our lives. So let's dive deeper together into the wonderful world of self-care; understanding what it takes to keep ourselves nourished will enable us both physically and emotionally so stay tuned!

What Does Self-Care Look Like And Why Is It Important for Mental Health

Self-care isn’t just indulgent pampering of yourself with bubble baths or mani-pedis; it looks like taking a few minutes in your day to do something simple and healthy that brings peace to your mind/body/spirit - such as getting fresh air, writing in your journal, dancing to music, or compassionate self-talk. It can also mean setting boundaries for yourself and saying “no” to taking on too much - something that I think many of us struggle with. Regardless of how you choose to practice self-care, the one thing we all need is time for ourselves without feeling guilty about it. Taking care of our mental health through regular self-care is so important for our overall well-being and can help improve your relationships with other people. Cultivating healthy habits helps us foster resilience even when life throws us challenges - showing ourselves kindness allows us to stay focused and motivated, helping create positive change in our lives and the world around us. When we amplify love and kindness towards ourselves, it becomes easier to share this love with others. All of these elements are key components of moving towards a balanced, fulfilling life.

How to Incorporate Self-Care Into Your Everyday Life

An important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is learning how to effectively incorporate self-care into your everyday life. It's about carving out time to consciously take care of yourself and give yourself quality one-on-one time, just as you would with any other relationship. We all know that certain aspects of our lives require attention – eating healthier, moving our bodies regularly, and so on. Taking the time to listen to your body, fueling it with nutrition that our bodies appreciate, getting rest, and having time for play are all ways to add self-care into your routine. For instance, intuitive eating helps you reclaim self-trust, and teach embodied acceptance as opposed to restricting yourself in any way. Similarly, restorative practices and grounding activities, such as yoga or meditation, have a profound impact on how you feel and how you approach life stressors. Long-lasting self-care focuses more on our systems, rather than the immediate outcome, such as practicing gratitude, getting adequate sleep, drinking water throughout the day, connecting with nature, maintaining boundaries, being honest with ourselves and others, and more. Making these habits part of your daily routine will ensure you reap the rewards they offer.

Benefits of Practicing Self-Care (According to this Licensed Clinical Therapist)!

The truth is that we often forget to take care of ourselves in a real way, but practicing self-care has so many wonderful benefits. Making the time in your busy schedule to care for, and nurture, ourselves is key to increasing our overall well-being by building the skill of showing up for ourselves. The most we show up for ourselves, the more we learn to trust ourselves and that trust increases our ability to let go. Every one of us is unique and so it’s important that you choose activities that work best for you, rather than following the crowd. A few minutes here or there can have an enormous impact on good mental health, satisfaction and life longevity when done properly on a regular basis. Self-care positively impacts our lives in big and small ways: from setting boundaries that respect your time/energy, making choices that help you work towards your goals, nurturing meaningful relationships, and taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation into your life. Proper self-care helps you to experience heightened mental clarity, increased energy levels, better decision making abilities, and an overall improved sense of being. So why not take some time out for yourself today? You deserve it!

Tips on How to Follow Through With A Self-Care Regimen

It's important to understand that you can prioritize yourself without compromising other important areas of life such as family, relationships, career or other interests. The good news is that when practiced consistently, over time self-care has been known to reduce stress, sharpen focus, promote joy and foster stronger relationships. So let's start small - intentional acts of self-care today can go a long way towards achieving greater balance tomorrow.

All in all, self-care is paramount for mental health. It is important to devote time and effort in order to improve overall well-being. Incorporating self-care into our daily routines can be challenging at first, but with dedication, it's possible to create sustainable and beneficial habits. Practicing self-care has many benefits, from reducing stress levels to increased feelings of joy and fulfillment, as well as other positive outlooks on life. Taking 15 minutes or more out of your day for yourself doesn’t have to be difficult or extravagant either — simple things like taking a walk in nature or talking to a friend can reap its benefits on personal well-being. If you are struggling or unsure about how best to begin practicing self-care, Paper Cranes Counseling is available for free consultations where we can discuss different strategies based on individual needs. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

Shavonne James, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a private group practice connecting wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic, care. They have openings for individuals that are working through matters of identity, interpersonal relationships, and the inner child. Contact them at www.papercranescounseling.com