Taking Time For Yourself and best mental health practices

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's all too easy to get caught up in the constant whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines, and obligations. Yet, amid the chaos, there exists an invaluable gem that often gets overlooked – the importance of taking time for yourself. In this blog post, we'll explore why carving out moments for self-care is crucial for your overall well-being and how to seamlessly incorporate it into your routine. Here are the best practices for keeping your mental health in tip top condition.

The Essence of Self-Care:

Imagine life as a bustling city, with every street representing a different facet of your daily existence. Amidst the hustle, it's essential to find a quiet park, an oasis of tranquility where you can recharge and reconnect with yourself. That oasis is self-care. It goes beyond the occasional spa day or a weekend getaway; it's about cultivating a mindset that prioritizes your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Taking time for yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. It's the cornerstone of a balanced and fulfilling life. When you neglect self-care, the toll on your overall well-being becomes apparent – increased stress, burnout, and a sense of disconnect from your true self. Recognizing the importance of self-care is the first step towards a healthier and more vibrant you.

Noticing that you need Time out:

• There can be some obvious signs that you need to take a break:

• Headache

• Tense shoulders

• That pit of your stomach feeling that you are somewhat struggling with the moment

• Being short tempered with everyone

• Having negative thoughts

• Feeling emotional

• Taking what people say perhaps out of context

• Losing perspective on a situation

• 
  

Sometimes, all you need is some time to yourself, to reconnect with who you are and rebalance everything.

Taking care of ourselves is strangely a routine that we sometimes forget or are not mindful of.

How much time and what kind of break depends on the individual and can be a vastly different experience.

Here are some of the things you can do to temporarily help yourself that work for most people (using them on a regular basis can really make a big difference too):

Talk to someone:

Sometimes just being able to vent your emotions and frustrations can alleviate a lot of stress, anger and emotional upset. Even if the listener doesn't say anything you are letting it out.

Communication:

Communication is a great tool and you don't have to be a master of it either. All you have to do to make a situation better sometimes is tell someone how you feel.

I used to and still do this! I convey my feelings to whoever and whatever the situation is in the moment. If I am not happy with what is happening or what someone has done I tell them. The same goes for when I am enjoying something or what someone has done. Expresssing how you feel makes things easier as everyone knows where they stand with you, more importantly you know how you feel.

Self observation:

Noticing which areas of your body are tense is a very mindful routine to get into. I, myself had very tight shoulders from being so stresses. I made it a routine to notice when my shoulders were up and mindfully allowed them to relax. At the same time I would walk around asking myself why my shoulders were tense, there wasn't always an answer but it did help after about two weeks of doing this exercise.

I would bite my lip or grasp my hands very tight too and used the same mindful observation to relax my mouth and hands. When doing this, I felt as if I was letting go of any negative energy in those parts of my body.

Take A Nap:

Science has shown that taking a nap or just lying quietly can dull or even expel the feelings of frustration that we experience in times of anxiety or depression. I used to take a half an hour nap each day, I might not have fallen asleep or had that perfect siesta but most of the time I found it worked and made my mood better.

As I lied on my bed I would try as best I could to relax each part of my body and release any negative sensations. At the same time I would think of a place that I needed to be, it could be anywhere. On some occassions it would be a beach, a forest or even thinking about a happy memory. I know, that sounds very cliche but it did work for me.

Go For A walk:

Through my depression I walked every night, I would travel on my feet over 3 miles around the block. I found that by moving gave me some space and an escape for a while to perhaps think about things in a balanced way with perspective.

I also found, much like taking a nap that the movement of walking released a lot of pent up emotion and tension.

My walks were around a small town where the night life was quite busy and there were a lot of cars passing me, through a pedestrian mall and into some quieter streets.

After moving to a very quiet village with beautiful countryside I found that the walks became much more peaceful but I was also in a different state of mind with vastly polarised circumstances.

I personally don't think it matters where you walk to achieve a little respite.

Sit in silence:

Sitting quietly with no one around, observing yourself, the temperature of the room, breathing the air and any other sensations can bring down the volume of any ditractive thoughts.

I have done this for about 10 years now, I find that it helps me to refocus, to see things the way they are and quite often I get some answers if I do it right.

You can also apply the body scan observation to loosen any tight muscles this way.

Pamper yourself:

I don't mean spend loads of money and go to a spa, I mean take care of yourself. Take some time out to cleanse your body. Have a shower, clip your nails, exfoliate, use a face mask, brush your teeth, these are some very accessible things that can make you feel better within yourself. it can also help build up confidence and take away any stress that you may be feeling.

Stretch:

It has only been in the last couple of years that I have taken up Yoga, those stretches really do provide a welcome relief to any tight muscles. Again, it's another form of alone time but you could do it with a friend or partner.

Sometimes my body clicks in the funny positions that I manage to achieve and often times there a stretch that I can feel that takes away the contorted position that has come about from sitting at my desk.

Let it out:

When you can't feel like you can be yourself or life is moving in a direction that you disagree with just fucking let it out.

When I was alone and had nothing, depressed and not happy with the way my day went I would scream into a pillow or cry it out.

I used the pillow as I lived in a shared house and didn't want to annoy anybody else, I would shout my anger or frustration into the pillow, a form of letting it out.

I cried so much, probably each and every day that I got the point where I couldn't cry anymore, which looking back was a good thing. Not being able to cry and wondering why was a step forward and I began to focus on my life once again. It's like the river dried out and I could cross the bridge to the better side of my life, to the future instead of living in the past.

The Benefits of Me Time:

• Stress Reduction: Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation helps reduce stress hormones, promoting a calmer state of mind.

• Enhanced Productivity: Counterintuitive as it may seem, taking time for yourself can boost productivity. A well-rested mind is more focused, creative, and efficient.

• Improved Mental Health: Regular self-care fosters emotional resilience, helping you navigate life's challenges with a clearer and more positive mindset.

• Stronger Relationships: When you nurture your own well-being, you're better equipped to connect with others. It's like filling your own cup before pouring into someone else's.

Incorporating Self-Care into Your Routine:

• Schedule "Me Time": Treat self-care as a non-negotiable appointment. Block off time in your calendar for activities that bring you joy, whether it's reading, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing a hobby.

• Explore Different Activities: Variety is the spice of life. Experiment with different self-care activities to find what resonates with you. It could be anything from a nature walk to indulging in your favorite book.

• Create a Relaxing Environment: Designate a space at home where you can unwind. Whether it's a cozy reading nook or a calming corner for meditation, having a dedicated space enhances the self-care experience.

• Disconnect to Reconnect: In our hyperconnected world, taking a break from screens is crucial. Set aside time to unplug and immerse yourself in the present moment, free from digital distractions.

• Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is the cornerstone of well-being. Ensure you get enough restful sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

Remember, self-care is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It's about discovering what brings you peace and joy and making a conscious effort to incorporate those elements into your life regularly. By embracing the art of self-care, you're not only investing in yourself but also laying the foundation for a more fulfilling and balanced life. So, go ahead, prioritize "me time," and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Your future self will thank you.

Here is a meditation to feel relaxed and perhaps stop overthinking