Are you making yourself a priority? If you’ve noticed that you’re struggling with your emotions and suffering from anxiety or depression, we’ve created a list of seven things you can do to kickstart your self-care regimen.
Hug Yourself
This may feel silly at first, but the benefits of hugging yourself might be worth any embarrassment. Hugs are mood boosters that can release the oxytocin hormone which helps ease anxiety and depression.
Rest When You’re Tired
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t have the physical or emotional strength to continue that important task at home or at work. If your body or mind is telling you ‘No,’ listen. Burnout is a real thing.
Ask for Help
There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you need some assistance. Whether that’s asking someone to handle a task, run an errand for you or needing someone to talk to about how you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand when you need assistance.
Get Quiet
Take a break from TV, social media, podcasts, phone calls and anything that could be a distraction. Spend some quiet time with yourself to reflect. Journaling, long walks, baths, yoga and meditation are great ways to focus on you and decompress.
Schedule Time For You
As employees, parents, or caretakers; we spend a lot of time focusing and taking care of others. What does it look like when you prioritize you? Schedule time in your calendar for quiet time, a movie, or listening to a new podcast uninterrupted. Create time to decompress and not take care of anyone except for you! When you’re filled, you will have more to give to others.
Practice Self-Discipline
This self-care practice might be harder than others. But as we get older we can’t always afford to treat our bodies like we did when we were younger. Try creating healthier eating and exercise habits. It’s okay to start small. Commit to working out once a week for 30 minutes and then gradually working up to at least 3 days a week. Think about the unhealthiest food or drink in your diet and slowly decrease the amount of times you consume that item until you’ve found a healthier alternative.
Set Boundaries
Practice saying ‘No.’ It’s understandable to want to help people. But helping everyone who asks can end up depleting you. And then you’re not useful to anyone (not even you). Be honest with yourself and others before overextending.
More Self-Care Tips
The Ladipo Group was founded to increase access to Black therapists in Philadelphia and decrease the stigma of mental health treatment. With our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting we collaborate with organizations and institutions to create equitable spaces and opportunities for Black, Brown and African Americans to thrive.
