SELF CARE

Self-care is the practice of looking after our own health using the knowledge and information available to us and in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed.

When talking with clients who may be feeling stressed, anxious or depressed,  I find it common for self-care routines to have slipped whilst energy is used to tackle their current challenges. Interestingly, these are the times when self-care is paramount.

When we think about what self-care means, we often equate it with self-indulgence and consequently miss its importance for maintaining mental health. Poor self-care can lead to many mental health issues, as well as physical problems

Some think that self-care means engaging in costly activities, such as, going to the spa for the day, taking a vacation, or treating ourselves to a coveted clothing item. While it is completely fine for your self-care routine to include activities such as these, a good self-care practice is not limited to doing one-time or occasional nice things for yourself that involve you spending money. When it comes to self-care we need to get back to basics and consider quality sleep, diet, exercise fun and social connection

Our ability to manage stress, anxiety and everyday challenges can be directly related to how much quality sleep we are getting. I always encourage clients to do whatever it takes to ensure they are getting adequate and restful sleep. For some this requires conversations and reflection  around sleep hygiene and for others it may mean discussing medical interventions with a GP

The research is now undeniable that exercise assists with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. It is reasonable to argue that we need to keep our  bodies moving and ideally, increase our heart rate on a regular basis, to increase the feel good endorphins such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in our brains.

Whilst we are bombarded with diet advice on a daily basis it is indisputable that what we feed our bodies impacts how we perform and how we feel mentally. It is common for people who are feeling stressed to either over or under eat and to reach for unhealthy options that they might otherwise avoid. Taking a look at our dietary habits and making even minimal adjustments is a step towards better self-care

When we are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed we may avoid social connection and the activities we normally consider fun due to a lack of energy or a perceived threat of judgement from others. Unfortunately, isolating usually makes things worse and so it is important to do what you can to increase social connections. This may mean beginning by doing something as simple as texting of calling a friend or relative for a chat

Engaging in self care activities has a cumulative affect and sometimes by starting with one small step we manage to find the energy to consider other self-care activities

Self-care is essential because it helps us to stay mentally and emotionally healthy. When we neglect our own needs, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. By making time for self-care, we can hit the reset button and approach our lives with a more positive outlook.

This includes making time for self-care, seeking professional help when needed, and staying connected with loved ones. By taking these steps, you can maintain your mental health and avoid the potential consequences of neglecting it.

Therapy is a form of self-care

For many people, the idea of counselling conjures up images of lying on a couch and spilling their problems to a stranger. There are many reasons people don’t seek help, but one of the most common is mental health stigma.

In our society, there’s a perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Counselling can provide valuable insights into our thoughts and behaviours. Through counselling, we can learn to cope with stress and anxiety in healthy ways, work through difficult life transitions, and develop new skills for managing our emotions. So if you’re feeling lost or struggling to cope, consider seeking help from a qualified counsellor

Collaborative Counselling offers flexible appointments from our office in Buderim and you can also arrange a Telehealth appointment online or by telephone

Call us on 0417709420 or email mandy@collaborativecounselling.com.au