Did you know that according to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26.2 percent of Americans aged 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental illness in a given year? That’s more than one in four people! And unfortunately, that number is on the rise.
Mental illness can take many forms, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It can make it difficult to cope with everyday life tasks, such as going to work or school, maintaining relationships, or taking care of oneself.
The good news is that there are treatments available for mental illness, including medication, therapy, and emotional self-care. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of prioritizing self-care and why it’s so crucial for those who suffer from mental illness.
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What is self-care?
Self-care is defined as “the actions that individuals take for themselves, on their own behalf, to maintain their mental and physical health and well-being.” It’s about taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This can include things like eating healthy foods, taking some of the best multivitamins for men, getting enough exercise, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and more.
During difficult times, it’s normal to let some of your self-care habits slide. But if you’re not taking care of yourself, it can make it even harder to cope with mental illness. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize self-care, even when you’re feeling down.
Why is self-care important for mental illness?
Practicing self-care is important for mental illness because it can help to:
- Reduce stress: Having a mental illness can be very stressful. Taking care of yourself can help to reduce the amount of stress you’re feeling. While it may not seem like much, even small things like taking a bath or going for a walk can make a big difference.
- Improved mood: When you’re taking care of yourself, it can help to improve your mood. This is because self-care activities release endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Your mood can also be improved by getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet.
- Boost energy levels: Mental illness can make you feel exhausted. But self-care activities can help to increase your energy levels and manage stress. Exercise is a great way to boost energy, as well as get enough sleep and eat healthy diet. And when you have more energy, it’s easier to cope with mental illness in your busy lives.
- Increase self-esteem: When you’re not taking care of yourself, it can lead to low self-esteem. This is because you’re not valuing yourself and your needs. But when you make physical self-care a priority, it shows that you value yourself and your well-being. This can lead to increased self-esteem and a better outlook on life.
- Improved mental health: Taking care of yourself can lead to improved overall health. This is because self-care activities help to reduce stress, improve your mood, boost energy levels, and increase self-esteem. When you have better mental and emotional health, it’s easier to cope with mental illness.
What are some self-care activities that can help with mental illness?
There are many different self-care ideas that can help with mental illness. Some of the most effective physical and spiritual self-care activities include:
Exercise
When you have a mental illness, it’s important to get regular exercise. Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost energy levels. It’s also a great way to distract yourself from negative thoughts. If you don’t like going to the gym, there are other ways to get exercise. You can go for a walk, bike ride, or run. You can also do yoga or Pilates with other family members at home.
Relaxation techniques
There are many different relaxation techniques that can help with mental illness. Some of the most effective relaxation techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. These techniques can help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
To get started with deep breathing, sit in a comfortable position on your in-house mat (click here if you’re looking for Northern Mat mat rentals near me) and close your eyes. Slowly breathe in through your nose and count to five. Then slowly breathe out through your mouth and count to five. Repeat this process for 10 minutes.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. To do this, start by tensing the muscles in your toes and holding for five seconds. Then relax the muscles and feel the tension leaving your body. Work your way up to the muscles in your legs, abdomen, arms, and neck.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is incredibly important for mental health. When you’re tired, it’s harder to cope with mental illness. You may also find that your mood is affected. To get enough sleep, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. And create a relaxing bedtime self-care routine, such as reading or taking a bath.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for mental health. When you’re eating unhealthy foods, can affect your mood and make it harder to cope with mental illness. To eat a healthy balance diet, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine.
Connect with others
When you’re dealing with mental illness, it’s important to connect with others. This can help you feel less alone and more supported. There are many ways to connect with others. You can join a support group, talk to a therapist, or reach out to family and friends.
Since the self-care journey is so important, it’s important to make it a priority in your life. Schedule time for self-care activities and stick to them. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. When you take care of yourself, you’re taking care of your mental health.
Let a professional help
If you’re struggling to cope with mental illness, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand and manage your symptoms. They can also provide support and guidance. If you’re not sure where to start, you can ask your doctor for a referral.
Spectrum Health Care offers a variety of mental health services. We have a team of experienced mental health professionals who can provide you with the care and support you need. We offer individual, group, and family therapy. We also offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Conclusion
Self-care is important for mental illness because it can help to reduce stress, improve mood, boost energy levels, and increase self-esteem. There are many different self-care activities that can help with mental illness, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, a healthy balanced diet, adequate sleep, mindfulness, and more. If you’re struggling to cope with mental illness, make sure to prioritize your own well-being and take care of yourself.
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