Satisfying the ceaseless demands of everyday life can feel like a marathon. From the moment your alarm sounds, chores, work, family obligations, and a myriad of other tasks race towards you. Amidst this daily rush, pausing for daily self-care often becomes a back-burner priority. However, self-care isn’t an optional indulgence; it’s an essential strategy to recharge your emotional batteries and ward off burnout. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. As Andrea Horbrook, owner of Courageous Spaces Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, and licensed clinical therapist, wisely says, “When life starts lifing, take time for you! Self-care is not selfish, it is self-protective.”
Let’s explore three easy-to-implement strategies for self-care, even when you’re on the go.
- The ‘Take Five’ Exercise:
Recognize and manage stress with this simple technique. Identify five things causing you stress or worry. With one hand extended like a stop sign, use your index finger of the other hand to trace along each finger’s side. As you ascend a finger, take a deep breath in, and as you descend, exhale slowly, visualizing your worries dissolving with each breath. Repeat this until you have traced all fingers, making sure to do this exercise two or three times for optimum stress relief.
2. Sensational Awareness:
Our senses are our gateway to the world; they shape our perceptions and influence our mood. Engage in mindful sensory interaction by performing the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Start by focusing on five things you can see, then four things you can physically touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and finally one thing you can taste. This grounding technique helps to center your awareness and anchor you in the present moment, enabling you to better manage stress and anxiety.
3. Fuel Your Body:
Proper nutrition is crucial for physical health and mental well-being. Busy days and long nights shouldn’t deprive your body of the necessary fuel it needs. Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated throughout the day can positively affect your mood, energy levels, focus, and overall performance. To increase your water intake, try this simple trick: take a few sips of water every time you stop at a red light or during television commercials.
Remember, though these tips are designed to support your mental health, they don’t replace professional help. If you find yourself struggling, reach out to a mental health professional. Our online community is not a substitute for therapy but a platform to facilitate awareness and self-care practices. If you need assistance, schedule a free consultation today https://courageforwellness.com/#. Your mental health is important to us.
Andrea Horbrook, LCPC, LMHC