The Importance of Self Care

We all know how important it is to take care of our physical health. We brush our teeth, we go to the doctor, we exercise, we eat healthy foods… but what about our mental health? Just like our physical health, our mental health needs care and attention. Unfortunately, mental health is often seen as taboo, and as a result, many people suffer in silence. This is why self-care is so important.

Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Though it's often associated with things like face masks and bubble baths, self-care can be anything that brings you joy and makes you feel good. It's important to remember that self-care looks different for everyone – there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to taking care of yourself. With that said, here are five self-care ideas to get you started:

1. Get enough sleep: Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night in order to function at their best. If you find that you're not getting enough rest, try implementing a bedtime routine or setting a strict bedtime for yourself and sticking to it as best as you can.

2. Eat healthy: Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. Fill your diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limit your intake of processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.

3. Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins – hormones that have mood boosting effects. A 30 minute walk or run can do wonders for your mental state!

4. Take breaks: When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, step away from whatever is causing those negative feelings and take some time for yourself. Go for a walk outside, read your favorite book, or take a relaxing bath.

5. Connect with loved ones: Spending time with people who make you happy can help reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions like happiness, love, and laughter. Make an effort to reach out to your loved ones on a regular basis – even if it's just through a quick text message or phone call.

No one can pour from an empty cup – make sure to take care of yourself first! By making self-care a priority in your life, you're sure to see an improvement in your overall mental well-being. Remember that self-care looks different for everyone – there is no "right" way to do it. Do what brings YOU joy and makes YOU feel good.