The Role of Self Care in Nurturing Your Mental Wellbeing

The Role of Self Care in Nurturing Your Mental Wellbeing : About half of U.S. adults say that the uncertainty of the pandemic has made planning for their future feel nearly impossible, according to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2021 Stress in America survey.

With nearly a third saying that their stress levels are so high that they sometimes struggle with basic decisions like what to wear or eat, nurturing your mental wellbeing is more important now than ever. From the numerous ways to practice self care to how to know when to ask for help — in addition to the benefits of therapy, here’s what you should know.

How therapy can make a difference

For those who wish to stay on top of their mental health, going to therapy regularly is a great way to do so — especially when considering how much of the entire country is stressed. For example, while Colorado had one of the lowest rates of health and work related stress in the nation, others didn’t fare too well. Hawaii, for example, earned the title of the most stressful state in the U.S. due to a variety of factors (such as having the third highest home prices), while Florida came in second place. The Sunshine State ranked poorly for a number of reasons — including relatively high unemployment at 6.5%.

With benefits of therapy including gaining coping skills, increasing happiness, improving communication, and providing a way to talk through problems, there’s no question that therapy can be wonderful for those who decide to take it up. With challenges like anxiety often coexisting with stress, therapy can aid in learning skills to help cope. For those in South Florida seeking a Miami therapist, representatives note that dealing with anxiety for long periods can lead to a deep exhaustion, as the cycle of anxiety makes it difficult to find true rest. Through therapy, experts can help train both your mind and body in order to alleviate such symptoms.

The importance of a routine

When looking to reduce stress and nurture your mental wellbeing, practicing self care on a regular basis is a necessity. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines self care as taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health, and notes that there are several ways to get started. Getting regular exercise is just one great way to nurture your mental wellbeing — even if it’s just 30 minutes of yoga or taking a short walk. Making sleep a priority, and taking the time to do relaxing activities like journaling, painting, or even making use of a meditation app can all contribute to bettering your mental health. The NIMH also stresses the importance of setting goals and priorities in taking care of your mental health, and being mindful in order to avoid taking on too many tasks.

The value in asking for help

While therapy provides a great option for those seeking to nurture their mental wellbeing, it’s imperative to know when to ask for professional help regarding mental health. The Mayo Clinic notes that knowing what’s normal and what’s not can be helpful in knowing when you may need to seek help from a medical/mental health professional. For instance, while it’s normal to feel a bit emotional or stressed from time to time, it’s important to realize that experiencing things like prolonged sadness/depression, marked changes in personality, eating or sleeping patterns, and extreme mood swings are just a few signs to look out for, which indicate that professional help is needed.

Taking care of your mental health is essential in living a healthy life, and can aid greatly in navigating issues like stress. With that in mind, practicing self care on a regular basis, considering taking up therapy, and knowing when to seek help are all essential in nurturing your mental wellbeing.