Mental Health Self-Care Tips

In today’s fast- paced world shaped by the fleeting nature of social media that calls for quick fixes maintaining our mental health is even more crucial, but can seem daunting. Here are practical, easy-to-implement tips to keep your mental well-being a top priority without overwhelming your schedule.

1. Ground Yourself Daily

Start your day with a five-minute meditation or deep breathing exercises or the 54321 technique to set a calm tone for the rest of your day. Grounding yourself lets your inner self know that you capable and ready for your day, even if things that beyond your control happen.

2. Social Media Detox

Scheduled Breaks: Designate specific times daily or weekly where you unplug completely from social media.

App Limits: Use your phone’s built-in features or apps to set limits on your social media usage.  Specially 30 minutes before your bedtime.

3. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Thought Records: 

• Keep a journal. Each night write 5  negative thoughts you have had in the day  and beside each thought write a reframed positive thought. 

• Reflect on your negative thoughts and see if you can find a common belief  underlying all of them. For example, “I am not good enough” 

• With this belief right a positive affirmations that will reinforce your self-worth. This is important because, only you can trust and believe yourself. Any affirmation you create for yourself will help the most.
  

4. Incorporate Exercise

Daily Walks: Even a short 15-minute walk can boost your mood and overall health.

Fun Activities: Choose activities you enjoy that engage can your body and senses in the here and now. For example, dancing, yoga, painting, drawing, crafts or any sport.

5. Prioritize Yourself

Micro-Breaks: Take short breaks during your day to do something you love, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Listen to some music; have a cup of tea; read a page from a book; doodle. Make sure you  take out those 15 mins every day, no matter how hectic your day. After a while of conscious effort, it will be a reminder, to prioritise, care for  yourself in other situations. It also serves as a break to your day’s hustle -bustle. 

Self-Care Toolkit: Have a go-to list of activities that make you smile ( not make you happy, just put a smile on your face).  Have activities that can fit into your busy schedule. For Example, listen to a song; a cup of coffee; a piece of chocolate; call a friend; play with/cuddle a pet etc.

6. Learn to Say No

Practice Makes Perfect: Start small by saying no to minor things, and gradually work up to bigger requests. Remember, by saying “Yes” to others, make sure you are not saying “No” to yourself.

7. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Water First: Start your day with a glass of water and keep a water bottle handy throughout the day.

Balanced Meals: Try to include fruits, vegetables, and proteins in your meals to fuel both your body and mind.

8. Quality Sleep

Regular Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body's clock.

Relaxing Bedtime Ritual: Develop a relaxing bedtime routine that may include reading, light stretching, listening to soothing music, a warm bath perhaps. 

Most importantly Be Compassionate to yourself. You may not be able to do all this every day. Some days you may not even  be able to do one of them, but its important to remind yourself, Tomorrow Is A New Day And I Will Try Again To Prioritise Myself.