Self Care is a term that has become very popular due to the mental health pandemic that we find ourselves in.
Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Recent events have left us feeling anxious, overwhelmed and isolated, all of which have contributed to an upturn in anxiety and depression diagnosis.
This month Pamper Me are focusing on Self Care to help our clients on their way to feeling healthier.
Here are 8 ways that can help you to start feeling like your old self again!
Read more books that tweets!
Putting your phone down and spending some quality time reading is good for your health...
‘Losing yourself in a good book has been shown to reduce your levels of stress. Research by Dr David Lewis showed that reading as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mind.’
Limit your consumption of bad news!
Watching the news causes stress...
‘A constant stream of sensational or "disaster" reporting, whether you are exposed actively or passively, can elevate stress levels and trigger your "fight or flight" response. You might even develop anxiety and trouble sleeping.
Managing your media consumption can help you stay up to date while also reducing your stress. Try giving yourself a set amount of time each day to review the headlines, ensure that your sources are reputable, and check-in with yourself emotionally before settling in to watch or read the news.’
Turn off your notifications!
Being available 24/7 increases anxiety...
‘Several studies have linked excessive smartphone use with depression and anxiety, particularly among young people. This has been put down to a number of factors, including poorer sleep, a lack of ‘real’ interaction and comparing our lives to those we see on social media.’
Listen to what your body needs!
Your body will tell you what you need....
‘Listening to your body is to be attentive to all messages you receive from your physical, emotional and mental bodies. These messages tell you how much you listen to their needs.’
Plan something to look forward to!
Booking a massage or planning to see friends will make you feel happy...
‘Many experts agree that one of the keys to happiness is having something to look forward to. Anticipating something fun means that you get to enjoy the happy experience for longer.’
Wear clothes that make you feel happy!
Only wear clothes that make your heart sing....
‘Several studies show our mood can be affected depending on what we wear. Likewise, how we feel upon waking can affect our choice of outfit and subsequent moods. ... He's also discovered that memories or emotions attached to our clothes can evoke good or bad feelings when we wear them.’
Say no to (& avoid) things that make you feel bad!
Saying no raises your self-esteem...
'People with low self-esteem often feel they have to say yes to other people, even when they do not really want to.
The risk is that you become overburdened, resentful, angry and depressed.
For the most part, saying no does not upset relationships. It can be helpful to keep saying no, but in different ways, until they get the message.'
Ask for help and advise with difficult tasks!
Asking for help makes us feel stronger...
‘Relying on others, experiencing needs and limitations, and asking for help are all part of being emotionally strong and of the human experience at large. Asking for help is not a burden nor a sign of weakness; it's a sign of humanness.’
We hope these ideas help you feel better.
Love Jodie Finnigan xoxo
