~ Exercise/ Exercise provides numerous benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles and bones, reducing stress, and boosting mood. It is recommended to engage in regular exercise for optimal health and well-being
~ Crafting/ I LOVE crafting and painting! Self-care crafts can include painting, knitting, crocheting, pottery, bath bombs, and more. These activities can be therapeutic and help you slow down and de-stress. Crafting, whether it's making handmade cards, scrapbooking, journaling, or knitting has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Engaging in creative activities can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by providing a sense of accomplishment and boosting self-esteem.
~ Napping/ I Love, Love, Love naps! Remember when you were a kid and absolutely despised naps? I was the same way. But naps can be a very important part of your life. Especially if you have a mental illness. Naps are important because they reduce daytime sleepiness, boost alertness and mood, improve memory and cognitive function, and can even help with physical recovery.
~ Read a book/ Reading can be a powerful tool for self-care, providing relaxation, stress relief, and opportunities for personal growth and connection to different worlds and ideas. Reading helps you relieve stress. Offers a chance to escape daily worries and enter different worlds, boosting creativity and imagination. Many books explore self-help, personal development, and mental health topics, fostering self-awareness and promoting positive change. Engaging with stories or informative texts can uplift your mood and provide a sense of comfort and connection. Regular reading can improve your vocabulary and comprehension, and even help with memory retention.
~ Declutter/ Decluttering is vital for self-care because it promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of control, leading to improved mood, focus, and overall well-being. The act of decluttering and organizing can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings. Completing cleaning projects can provide a sense of accomplishment, leading to increased self-confidence and a feeling of being in control. When your workspace is organized, it's easier to find what you need and get tasks done. A clutter-free environment can contribute to better sleep quality, as a calm and organized space promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
~ Practice Gratitude/ Gratitude triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you rest and digest. This can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. When you feel gratitude, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, which can improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Gratitude helps you focus on positive things in life, which can help you build inner strength to combat stress. Practicing gratitude can strengthen your social ties and remind you who you are connected to.
There are so many other ways to offer yourself self-care. Some are as follows:
Cooking : Listen to Music : Spa Day/Bubble Bath : Volunteering : Breathing Exercises : Tea Time : Calling a Loved One : Make a Vision Board : Dancing
I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it for you! I care about you all and most of all, please care about yourself!
xoxoxo, Michelle Neal
A Prayer for Self Care:
"Dear Heavenly Father, as I take this moment to focus on myself, I thank you for the gift of life and the strength you provide. Guide me in prioritizing my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Help me to listen to my body's needs, to find peace in my thoughts, and to nurture my soul with your love. Grant me the wisdom to make healthy choices and the discipline to follow through, so I can be the best version of myself, ready to serve others with a renewed spirit. Amen.".