When it comes to your mental health, self-care can be an invaluable tool. Taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical and mental health can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing. Self-care can help you manage stress, reduce your risk of illness, and increase your energy. It can also help identify what activities or tasks are necessary for your well-being, relieve negative symptoms of mental illness or stress, or simply provide you with pleasure or relaxation.
Practicing self-awareness is key to successful self-care. It can help you recognize patterns in your emotions, including situations that can trigger worsening symptoms. It's also important to take the time to recognize the good in your life and take stock of where you are. To take care of your health and well-being, it is important to find a balance that allows you to address each of these areas.
Self-care doesn't cure mental illness, but understanding what causes or triggers mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help you manage your mental health. Research suggests that self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as building resilience, living longer, and being better equipped to manage stress. Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems. They can also help prevent some problems from developing or worsening.
When it comes to self-care, it's important to start small rather than tackling the most challenging thing first. You need to take care of your basic needs first if you want your stress relief activities to be effective. Seek support from trusted counselors and behavioral health providers (such as therapists), a trusted primary care doctor, or a close friend. It's also important to remember that when you're attuned to your needs and take the time to care for your general well-being, you're better equipped to be there for others as well.
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness, it's essential to your overall health and quality of life.
