Self Care: Staying Sane through the Holidays

For many people, finding a way to practice self-care often comes with feelings of guilt. They feel they should be using their time to take care of other responsibilities, or that they shouldn’t spend money on something that feels frivolous. However, self-care is about boosting your mental health so you can tackle the challenges that come your way, and it’s absolutely necessary in order to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Whether it’s through meditation, a mini vacation, or a stress-reducing hobby, there are many things you can do to boost your mental health and feel better overall.

The best way to get started with a new self-care routine is to think about your specific needs, as well as your budget and a timeline. If you have a busy schedule, for instance, it’s best to think of ways to practice self-care that won’t take up much of your day. This might be achieved by practicing yoga on your lunch break or stopping for a pedicure on the way home.

Here are a few ways you can work self-care into your routine and boost your mental health.

Work it out

Working out every day is a great way to keep your mental health in check, since physical activity can have multiple benefits for your mind as well as your body. Seniors can take advantage of the SilverSneakers program, which is included with Medicare Advantage plans such as the ones offered by Humana. The program helps older adults find access to fitness classes that focus on cardio and endurance, as well as activities like yoga.

Practicing yoga is beneficial for your mental health, because it can relieve depression and anxiety. To get started, all you need are comfortable workout clothes and a yoga mat (which Amazon sells for under $15). Another wonderful exercise is Pilates, which can help you think more clearly and also treats mental health problems. Because it promotes controlled breathing, you’re getting more oxygen, which can reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. You can start practicing Pilates by attending a private or group class.

Take the stress out of your home

Many people don’t realize just how much their surroundings can contribute to the way they feel. Clutter and disarray can leave you feeling stressed, tired, irritable, and even anxious or depressed, which can definitely make things harder from day to day. Get organized and clean up your home, starting with the rooms you use the most. You might be surprised at how helpful it can be to make things neat and remove unnecessary items. If you don’t have time to do a top-to-bottom cleaning, consider hiring a cleaning service to accomplish this for you. Keep in mind that the average cost for a service in Fort Worth is between $119 and $216.

Learn to say “no”

One of the biggest factors involved with stress is feeling overworked and overwhelmed. This can happen both at work and at home, especially if you don’t know how to say “no” when someone asks for your time or energy. Learning how to decline diplomatically can work wonders for your self-esteem and your overall health, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. This is a major aspect of communication, so it can be helpful in just about any situation.

Get some rest

Your ability to get good rest can have a major effect on your mood and your overall health, so it’s a good idea to create a sleep routine that will help you relax and shake off the day. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or stress, those feelings can take a toll on your sleep, so it’s important to learn the best ways to cope so you can relax once you get into bed. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night, and make sure your sleep environment is as comfortable as possible.

Taking care of your mind, body, and soul is absolutely necessary if you want to feel good every day, so think of ways you can create a self-care routine. Getting into the habit of self-care will make it much easier to take a little time out of your schedule to focus on yourself.

Guest post by:
Brad Krause
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