Today I’d like to talk to you about Self care and how it benefits your mental health.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is beneficial to everybody whether you are a mental ill health sufferer or not. Self-care by definition is ‘the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.’ Self Care is broken up into 5 sections, emotional, physical, phycological, spiritual and professional care.

In our lifetime we practice self-care regularly, brushing our teeth, washing our hair, choosing to exercise, etc. A person suffering a Mental Health Disorder may neglect simple health and hygiene tasks due to the low moods in their disorder. By avoiding this care we need, we are actually making our problems worse. It is important to nurture yourself.

By performing self-care you are making sure that you have what you need, you are reminding yourself that you are in fact worthy, it makes us calmer, more relaxed and able to perform little tasks in our life with ease. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and treating yourself. It is making sure your needs are in fact fulfilled.

I am too a victim of not putting myself and my needs first. It is very easy to get caught up in life so much that you fail to see the neglect you have put yourself through. I look in the mirror and barely recognize the face staring back at me. The one that has been swept of her feet making sure that everybody else is okay. If you can relate then please take this post as a reminder that you are important too. Self-care is never selfish, so do not feel guilty for taking the time for you.

Notice the signs, that you need it. This picture below is from blessing manifesting’s facebook page, (link is below) which I found to be very easy to read and help notice what type of self-care you need based on mood.

Learning to recognize the signs that you need to take some time is half of the battle. Don’t push it off to later, that isn’t going to help you, or those around you. You may say ‘I don’t have time.’ Make time. It is that simple. Your self-care is much more important, without it you are unable to perform the easiest of tasks. Whether you manage to free up an hour or 15 minutes. Make every minute count. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

You will overall feel much better with yourself, your mind and your body after you have in fact taken the time you need. You could go for a walk as mild exercise, eat a healthier lunch, read a book to help exercise your brain. Challenge yourself to a puzzle or treat yourself to a face mask or salt bath.

What are you going to do for your self-care today or over this weekend?

Leave your answers in the comments.

If anyone would like to chat about Mental Health I am always available. You can contact me via email at whatsinmywonderland@gmail.com or via any of my social media’s. I am not a professional and I cannot offer you professional advice. I can offer a listening ear and help you seek help if need be. All conversations will be 100% confidential and I will not judge you in any way. I would hate for anybody to feel alone, you are not alone. I am here for you.

Useful Links

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/self-care/#.XNV-b9h7mM8

http://www.selfcareforum.org/about-us/what-do-we-mean-by-self-care-and-why-is-good-for-people/

https://www.facebook.com/BlessingManifesting/

I have written a blog post for every day of the week for Mental Health Awareness week, each day covering a different topic. Be sure to check them all out!