Self Care and The Mind: How It Benefits Your Mental Health

Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2019

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Self Care and The Mind: How It Benefits Your Mental Health 

by Brad Krause at Selfcaring.info

Self-care is so important these days for all of us because it helps deflect and prevent stress, anxiety, and physical issues such as the risk of stroke or heart attack. Many things fall under the umbrella of self-care, making it difficult to pinpoint, but in general, it’s simply the act of making healthy choices for yourself. Taking steps to eat a balanced diet, lock in a workout routine, and take care of your body are included in self-care, but so are learning to relax and take breaks. Where your mental health is concerned, self-care can be a huge help. 

It’s crucial to think about how the body and mind are connected. Your physical health can affect your mental state and vice-versa. This means that depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can actually leave you feeling sick or exhausted, while working long hours or not getting enough sleep can contribute to depression or feelings of sadness. 

Fortunately, you can change all that with a few simple steps. Read on for some great tips on how to take care of yourself for a well-rounded health experience. 

Take Care of Your Oral Health 

There are so many links between the physical and the mental, and when it comes to your oral health, it’s important to remember that the way you take care of your gums and teeth can affect everything from depression to your heart. Creating a routine that you can stick with is helpful, but so is finding a dentist who can handle your needs. Look online to find an oral health provider nearby who can help you keep your mouth healthy and clean. 

Look for Alternatives 

Many people are open to trying alternative methods to feel better, and acupuncture is a common treatment for chronic pain. However, the cost of the procedure is not covered under Medicare, which means older adults or individuals who are living with a disability have to pay for it out of pocket. If you’re looking for a new way to manage pain or discomfort, think about physical therapy. Medicare Part B often covers these visits depending on what you need, and you’ll learn exercises and activities that you can keep doing at home when you need them the most. 

Get Some Sleep 

The way we sleep plays a big role in how we feel, and so many Americans have trouble getting good rest. If you find that falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting comfortable at night is difficult, look for a way you can make your rest routine easier. You might say no to caffeine after a certain time of day or put away your smartphone and devices before bed to prevent blue light from interrupting your sleep cycle. You can also make sure your bedroom is as comfortable as possible, including your bedding and the temperature of the space. 

Learn to Say ‘No’ 

Anxiety and stress can leave you feeling exhausted and unable to cope with all the things life can throw at you. That’s why it’s important to learn how to say “no” when you just can’t give someone your time or help. This is true both at work and at home, and it doesn’t mean you have to create issues in your relationships; rather, it’s just a way to protect yourself against the stress. 

Self-care can help you in many aspects of your life, from allowing you to keep your physical health intact to protecting your mental health and well-being no matter what’s going on in your professional and personal lives. While making some changes to your lifestyle can be tricky, there are many things you can do to feel better.

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