We always hear about self-care, but how helpful is it for someone with depression? According to mental health experts, it’s actually very beneficial. Here’s how you can develop the perfect self-care routine for yourself. Learn more at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/self-help/
If you feel like your mental health has been worsening, you’re not alone. CDC statistics show that the prevalence of mental illnesses such as major depressive disorders has increased by 60% in the past decade. Sure, you can get therapy, which is one of the most effective treatments for depression and other mental disorders, but is there any other way you can help yourself?
Turns out, there is. Self-care is an underappreciated but very important aspect of mental health, and experts say that creating an effective self-care routine for yourself can take you very far.
When you think about self-care, you may envision a nice vacation to a tropical getaway or maybe a trip to a luxury spa. Perhaps the time and financial commitments associated with such activities have been deterring you from planning any sort of routine, but rest assured, self-care is actually a lot simpler than that.
“Self-care” is defined as any activity that is performed to improve moods in the short term and overall well-being in the long term. Any individual’s self-care needs will differ from another person’s, but the most effective routine will involve addressing your physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.
Some notable benefits of consistent self-care include improved emotional well-being, resulting in a reduction of depression symptoms; higher self-esteem levels; and improved sleep quality.
Additionally, self-compassion, an important aspect of self-care, has been linked to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. Research has suggested that this is because self-compassion lowers the concentration of cortisol, the stress hormone, and supports the emotional regulation regions in the brain, promoting calmer and more adaptive responses to stressors.
To develop an appropriate self-care routine, mental health experts like the team at Mission Connection suggest that you evaluate your current needs and choose activities that can address them. Some recommendations include journaling, meditation, social outings, and regular exercise - as little as 30 minutes of walking daily can boost moods and improve health over the long term, even when done in small amounts throughout the day.
Worried that you won’t stick to your routine? Here’s a tip: set goals that you know you can achieve. Starting with smaller, more specific tasks will improve your chances of success, reduce the risk of worsening your mental health issues, and increase your likelihood of remaining committed to the routine. If you have to start with small goals like “walk for 10 minutes” or “do 2 minutes of deep breathing,” that’s still good progress.
And of course, part of self-care is getting professional help when you need it. The right kind of therapy will do wonders for your mental health, so make sure to keep that option on the table. Click on the link in the description to learn more. Mission Connection City: San Juan Capistrano Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. Website: https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/