Self-care is not selfish!
Food and Mood: Improving our diet can help give us more energy, calmer moods, and clearer thinking. Eating a healthy and balanced diet with regular meal times can assist this, along with increasing our hydration and reducing our intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Physical Activity: As well as improving our physical health, physical activity can bring about mental health benefits, such as: reduced feelings of stress, increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and reduced risk of depression. Choosing an activity that you find fun is the most important thing, from dancing to swimming, physical activity will help boost your “feel good” hormones.
Relaxation: Taking a short break from our busy lives can help us look after our wellbeing. There are a variety of ways to promote relaxation, such as: focusing on your breathing, listening to music, getting creative, and spending time in nature. Find what works for you.
Sleep Hygiene: Living with a mental health problem can affect how well we sleep, and poor sleep can have a negative impact on our mental health. We can take steps to improve our sleep habits, such as: establishing a routine, relaxing before bed, switching off technology, and avoiding too much caffeine. Keeping a sleep diary may help you, and health professionals, to gain a better understanding of the cause of your sleep problems.