The BASICS of Self-Care: What You Need To Know

1. Exercise– Benefits of exercise on mental health include (but not limited to) reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Regular exercise can increase energy, sleep, and increase self-confidence and discipline.
2. Sleep- Consistent and sufficient sleeping patterns can improve energy, mood, and increase concentration. Inconsistent and insufficient sleeping patterns decrease energy, increase irritability and poor concentration. 
3. Nutrition- Your nutrition influences your energy, mood, and self esteem. 
4. Self-Talk- The messages you tell yourself each and every day (ie: when I forget my mask, “I’m such an idiot” when it could be “I forgot my mask, but that’s ok, I can get a new one”). 
5. Writing– Writing gives you the ability to express yourself completely and the ability to build awareness on your thoughts and lastly the ability to look back and see your progress. Fact: Writing down something helps the brain retain the information longer. 
6. Social Groups or Hobbies!– Often times people dismiss the importance and influence social activities have on your mental health. Social support and social stimulation give you the opportunity to be yourself away from your day-to-day role as a provider, parent, employee, etc. Some examples can be joining a sport activity, martial arts, book club, and many other activities interesting to you.
7. Finding BALANCE- Finding balance in our busy lives is ESSENTIAL. As much as we love being employees, parents, and business owners we all need breaks from our roles and responsibilities. Finding balance means making time for YOURSELF throughout your work week and making yourself and your self care a priority.

Check back in September for more in-depth on these topics and tips. Please follow and share!