Living with mental illness can make even the simplest acts feel like completely impossible challenges.
It can really make self-care a challenge. Depression and anxiety can deplete our energy levels, cloud our judgment and it can make us feel hopeless. That sense of hopelessness makes it almost impossible to take PROPER care of ourselves. It can cause us to struggle with even the most basic tasks, such as eating well and getting proper sleep. We have to recognize that self-care is far more than a bubble bath, and sometimes, it’s far less. It depends on the energy we have to spare at any given moment. Maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being can be a challenging task. Not taking the time to try, does more damage to our hearts and minds than we realize.
It’s important to understand that this struggle is common for many people,
and that it’s okay to seek help and support. There is no shame in wanting to feel better. Mental illness can distort our thoughts, making us feel unworthy of self-care or convincing us that we’re incapable of it. These feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt can be paralyzing, preventing us from reaching out for the very help we need. They are also the reason that we lean towards feeling like “a burden” at times. It’s crucial to remember that self-care isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small, consistent actions that nurture our well-being. Finding the strength to take even the smallest steps towards self-care can be a huge victory.
Despite these challenges, it’s possible to incorporate self-care into our lives.
Happily, it can be in ways that feel manageable and meaningful. It’s essential to approach self-care with patience and compassion, recognizing that progress may be slow and that setbacks are part of the journey. Surrounding ourselves with supportive friends, loving family, or good mental health professionals can provide the encouragement and accountability we need to make self-care a priority. (I typically go with the “Get yelled at by your mother” method, but hey, you do you…)
If you are struggling with incorporating self-care into your life, here are five helpful tips to take a look at. I hope that you can take a moment or two for yourself, today. You really ARE important and you deserve to relax. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
1. Start Small: Begin with simple, achievable tasks, like drinking a glass of water, washing your face, or taking a few deep breaths. Small victories can build momentum.
2. Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy, making self-care feel more automatic. It takes 28 days to develop a habit so you might as well make it a good one!
3. Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. They can offer encouragement, love, and/or practical assistance. And don’t disregard the power of a 20-second hug.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion and forgive yourself for any perceived shortcomings. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. FORGIVE YOURSELF. Life will get easier when you begin to do that.
5. Do the Fun Things: Find activities that bring you joy and make time for them regularly. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, painting, or spending time in nature, self-care is a vital part of managing mental illness. (Also, you know as well as I do, that your doctor has told you this several times already.)
Yes, it may be difficult to get into the swing of regularly planned self-care sessions, but it’s not impossible. With patience, support, and a few baby steps, we can gradually build a self-care routine that enhances our mental health and overall well-being. You CAN do this!
