Self-care is the foundation for healthy mental wellness.  Proper and adequate attention given to one’s self enhances relationships, rejuvenates our spirit, uplifts our mood, and provides the necessary energy to overcome challenging situations and circumstances.  Contrary to popular belief, self-care is simple: create time to do what makes you feel good and does not inflict harm on you or anyone else.  For some, like me, exercise is the natural go-to.  Spending time outdoors, alone or with other people (or pets), while burning off energy feels great.  Likewise, cooking or baking treats to share with friends and family provides a creative outlet along with a sense of pride and accomplishment.  What brings you joy?  The answer is your self-care strategy.  If you’re unsure, here are some tips to help you decide:

• Embrace healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and keeping busy with individual and shared activities.  Avoid or limit alcohol, drugs, TV, and media consumption.
• Maintain relationships by asking for and providing assistance to others.  Acknowledge and reinforce boundaries on how much you’re able to give and receive on any given day, week, month, or year.
• Seek comfort in what you can control and let go of efforts to control the unknown and uncertain – especially in the face of adversity, trauma, and tragedy. 
• Identify your values and what’s meaningful to you.  Explore spiritual practices, intellectual curiosities, civic engagement, creative hobbies, or volunteering. 
• Repetitive activities are also great self-care strategies such as cleaning your home or yard, practicing a new instrument, knitting or playing video games.  

 

Finally, ask yourself these questions each day to foster gratitude and self-compassion – the hallmarks of self-care:

     1. What am I grateful for today?

     2. Who am I checking-in on or connecting with today?

     3. What beauty am I creating, cultivating, or inviting into my space today?

     4. What will I accomplish today?

     5. What do I have to look forward to tomorrow?

 

All my best,

NLF

 

DISCLAIMER: Bell Fischer Wesley Therapy & Consulting, LLC is pleased to provide you with this website for your personal education and informational purposes only.  Nothing found on this website (or social media pages) is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Bell Fischer Wesley Therapy & Consulting, LLC assumes no liability for any diagnosis, treatment, decision made or action taken in reliance upon information contained in this website or any other internet sites linked to it in any way.