A young woman in a blue sweater hugs herself behind a text overlay that says, "Embrace Self-Care," and Mental Health Awareness Month

Self-Care Secrets: 8 Tips & Routines to Keep You Feeling Your Best

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Self-care is the practice of taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to cope with stress, prevent illness, and enjoy life.

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. When our mental health is good, we are able to cope with stress, make healthy choices, and have fulfilling relationships. But when our mental health is not so good, it can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

There are many things that we can do to maintain good mental health. One of the most important is self-care. Self-care is anything that we do to take care of our physical, emotional, and mental health. It can include things such as eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, spending time in nature, and connecting with others.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s essential.

Self-care is the practice of taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s not selfish or indulgent; it’s necessary for your health and happiness. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to cope with stress, prevent illness, and enjoy life.

But what does self-care look like? Well, it can be different for everyone. Some people may find self-care in relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, or reading a book. Others may prefer more active or social forms of self-care, like exercising, spending time with friends, or pursuing a hobby. The important thing is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

Better self-care. It literally starts with You.

Not sure where to get started with self-care? Don’t worry, like talked about last week, small actions can have a big impact. Give yourself a boost by adding any of these tips and routines to your self-care plan today. And remember, with Aunt Martha’s as your medical home, you will have a team of pros who are ready to help you reach your personal health and wellness goals. That’s what we do!

2023 Mental Health Awareness Month

Eight self-care tips and routines you can start using today

Live healthy.

Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and avoid substances that can harm your health.

A healthy woman smiling with fresh fruit juice

Manage stress.

Learn to recognize and cope with stressors in your life, and seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or depressed.

Sad woman, therapist and crying in consultation for addiction, mental health or support counseling. Female patient and counselor or shrink helping solve issue in healthcare, therapy session or advice.

Practice good hygiene.

Keep yourself clean and comfortable, and treat yourself to things that make you feel good, like a massage, a haircut, or a new outfit.

Feminine black woman holding jar of body or face cream, applying skin care product after shower at home, with text overlay that says, "Treat yourself."

See friends.

Connect with people who support you, understand you, and make you laugh. You don’t have to face your challenges alone.

A group of happy people, children and adults, a family with text layer that says, "Friends and Family"

Do something you enjoy.

Whether it’s listening to music, watching a movie, playing a game, or creating something, find time to do things that bring you joy and satisfaction.

Female, elementary student reading book by window, with text overlay that says, "Do something you enjoy."

Find ways to relax.

Try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. You can also use apps or online programs that teach you how to relax.

Peaceful girl in wireless headphones using an app or online program to relax, sleep with text overlay that says, "Find ways to relax."

Set goals and priorities.

Decide what’s important to you and what you want to achieve in your life. Break down your goals into manageable steps and celebrate your progress. Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals.

Calm Afro-American looking into the distance while sitting with laptop with text overlay that says, "Set goals and priorities."

Practice gratitude.

Appreciate what you have and what you’ve accomplished. Express your gratitude to yourself and others. You can also keep a gratitude journal or use an app that helps you cultivate gratitude.

Beautiful african woman having charming smile holding hands on heart wanting to show gratitude, with text overlay that says, "Practice Gratitude."

It’s your self-care journey. We’re here to help along the way.

Self-care is not a one-time thing; it’s a lifelong commitment. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but don’t give up. You deserve to take care of yourself and be happy.

Tell us what self-care looks like to you

We’d love to hear from you: What does self-care look like to you? How do you practice self-care in your daily life? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below or on our social media platforms.

And don’t forget to check back next week for more mental health tips and resources!

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