You can find ways to take care of yourself and develop a healthy routine that puts YOU first, and improves your overall well being. These don’t have to be elaborate and complicated practices that might end up causing more stress- they can just address your basic needs. Understandably when you are experiencing poor mental health, even the simple things can be difficult, so start with the basics and make them a priority.
For example, feel hungry and the prospect of needing to make food seems overwhelming? You need to remember to eat. Food gives us energy so when we don’t eat well, we don’t have the fuel to face life’s challenges. Overall, aim for healthy foods that are balanced and give you nutrition. You can make this an easier process by establishing a routine around your eating so that you are less tempted to eat emotionally, and you can plan ahead (For example prepare food and store it for later when you are already in the kitchen).
Another basic need is water: Check in with yourself and see if you are thirsty. Can’t get yourself to get up and go grab a cup of water ? Keep a large water bottle nearby you. In fact many of us forget to drink enough water every day, to keep us healthy. A routine can help you here too – for example you can set a timer or a reminder on your phone.
While water is your friend, try to limit the amount of sugary drinks or alcohol you consume. While cutting out coffee or tea can be hard, try to limit yourself to a moderate amount, and make sure that you are still drinking water. You can also try herbal teas which have various health benefits.
Sleep is another basic need: Ask yourself if you are getting enough? Is it restorative? If your answers to these are no, then there are steps that you can incorporate to improve your sleep hygiene. After all, All of us need a certain amount of sleep. It helps keep us mentally and physically healthy. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, relax before bed, and remove all electronic devices from your room to start.
Remember to move: This doesn’t mean a gym membership or personal trainer. Something small maybe 10 mins every day. And if you don’t manage that whatever you do helps to keep your body moving. Try simple stretching. A short walk in the fresh air. Even dancing to the beat of your favourite music if that’s what you want to do. It all helps. Get out of your house if you can. Go outside into the fresh air. Into nature. See the sun. Feel the warmth on your face. Enjoy some time in nature, in the calm of a field or bush, where you feel safe and nurtured.
Take a shower or a bath: The gentle cleansing of water flowing across your body can be both comforting and restorative. Washing ourselves means we are taking care of our body. Not only it is basic hygiene but it can be fun and soothing too.
To build some nurturing habits for yourself, think about things you enjoy:
Think about what helps ground you in your body so you enjoy the present moment e.g. a long hot bath, music, candles, jogging or watching movies.
Make sure that your bedroom and bed are comfortable. When you want some time out, you will have a place that honours your worth, makes you feel safe, and comfortable.
Do things just for the joy they bring. Read a book, just for you. Play with pets. Listen to your favourite music. Explore your garden.
Do something physical or learn a new skill - an instrument, a dance, a new language, whatever you are interested in.