May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great time to highlight some ways you can take better care of yourself.
We all have times in our lives where we feel stuck, like we are running on a treadmill as fast and as hard as we can go but with no destination. It can be frustrating and stressful. Taking steps to rejuvenate your mind and body regularly can help to alleviate those moments and keep you on a path forward.
A Holistic Approach
Holistic means taking care of yourself as a whole. That means not just focusing on your physical health or mental health, but rather your whole self—emotional, spiritual, creative, social, and financial wellbeing, too.
You might be wondering how to go about holistic self-care. You likely already do some things to care for yourself, hopefully, like relaxing, taking mental health breaks, and taking steps to care for your physical body.
Other holistic self-care practices are:
1.) Reigniting a Hobby or Passion
Have you always wanted to play guitar? Did you use to paint in your spare time? Do you miss playing soccer with your friends? Hobbies and passions have a way of lighting a fire within us. Doing them can make you feel alive, happy, and successful.
There is a phrase that goes “Nothing is a ‘waste’ of time if you enjoy it.” That is very true. If it is something you enjoy doing then you are not wasting your time or energy by doing it. So, take the class, pick up the instrument, or sign up for the league.
2.) Reconnect with Family or Friends
It seems like we all live very busy lives. Often our busy days cause us to lose touch with friends or family. We get disconnected and suddenly it has been months before we have spent time with those loved ones.
Taking time to reconnect with friends or loved ones can lift you and remind you of all the beautiful moments in life. Even if it’s just a phone call or a meeting for coffee, pick up the phone and schedule the meeting, it will be worth it.
3.) Change Your Career Path
If you are feeling stuck in your career or struggling financially, it might be time to reinvent yourself professionally. What are you passionate about? Is there a career you always imagined yourself doing? It is never too late to follow your dreams.
4.) Do Some Financial Planning
It might sound boring but doing regular financial planning and evaluations of your finances can help to reduce financial stress. Knowing exactly where you stand with finances can also help you to plan for fun like vacations, homes, vehicles, etc.
5.) Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Your comfort zone can be a great place to be but it can also get boring. Think about how good you feel when you do something you are afraid of, like jump off the high-dive at the pool. Have you always thought about taking a dance class but were afraid of screwing up? Do you get nervous around strangers but want to volunteer? Do it. Put those fears to the side and do it. Getting out of your comfort zone can be a great way to rejuvenate the soul.
6.) Indulge in a Guilty Pleasure
Are there things you love to eat or do but you rarely do because they aren’t good for you — like eating sweets, shopping for clothes, or binge watching Netflix? When things are feeling mundane, stuck, and time for a reset, it is ok to indulge in a guilty pleasure every once in a while. It can be enough to give you something to look forward to and lift your spirits for the time being.
7.) Take Care of Your Physical Health
Starting a new exercise program or eating plan designed to make you feel better can be a great form of self-care. The better you physically feel, the better you will feel mentally, and usually paired together can help you to take better care of your emotional, financial, social, spiritual, and creative wellbeing, too.
8.) Practice Mindfulness
We are all so consumed by technology all the time, easily distracted, that it is getting increasingly difficult to be present in the moment. Practicing mindfulness can be a great tool for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing overall happiness. It helps you to appreciate the small moments in life and let go of the things you cannot control. When is the last time you really listened to your child laugh? Or, took in a friends facial expression?
Self-Care Guidance
If you need guidance making changes in your life or taking a holistic approach to self-care, consider seeking the help of licensed mental health professional. A counselor or therapist can help provide you with the necessary tools to make positive changes in your life.
Ready to begin counseling in Pennsylvania?
Our professionally-trained and licensed counselors have openings. Just call our office at 717-462-7003×1 and speak to our administrative assistant. Get started to feeling better today. You can get the tailored help you need right now. We are here for you.
