Self-care is anything but selfish. How we treat ourselves is how we feel about ourselves, and not only is it an indicator of the type of relationships we allow into our lives, but directly impacts our well-being on every level. We get to set the standard of how we deserve to be treated, starting within. Plus, when our own cup is full, we are of greater service to the world because our capacity is expanded.
Here are some practices you can try:
Gratitude
What we appreciate, appreciates. Science has proven that practicing gratitude is one of the strongest tools to maintain and expand levels of personal happiness. You can keep a small journal and write 5-10 things “I am grateful for x y z”. Or, this can look like saying “Thank you”, often throughout the day. “Thank you for this delicious meal. Thank you for this roof over my head. Thank you for ________”. This can create an immediate state shift. And, it’s FREE! An exciting spillover effect of this is that gratitude cultivates an almost immediate state of presence.
Mirror Work
Stand in front of your mirror, and repeat aloud ten things you love about yourself. If you notice insecurity or the critical mind begins to enter the room (which is very normal, as the inner critic guards the doorway of our own hearts), you can bring love to these areas. You can read our mirror work blog here, which goes into an in-depth, tried, and true mirror work practice.
Movement
Move that body in ways that feel good! Bonus points if you sweat, as this releases endorphins that reduce stress. Whether that is going for a run, doing yoga, having sex, or dancing to your favorite music – movement not only has health benefits but also is scientifically proven to boost our mood. Movement shifts stagnant energy.
Boundaries
This one may not look like bubble baths, sunshine, and rainbows, but it is guaranteed to level up your life. Learn to say no when you want to say no. Courageously release relationships and connections that no longer feel resonant or serve your growth. Honoring yourself can improve your mental and physical health, and free up your energy to do more of what matters to you. If you struggle in this area, working with a Quantum Psychotherapist can support you!
Creativity/Inner Child Play
What were some of the things you could do for hours and hours on end as a child? Was it making up skits? Was it taking photographs or painting? It is vital that we have creative outlets in our lives for no other reason than that they light up our souls. What would you LOVE to do, that you haven’t done in forever? What would you love to create for the sake of creation and no other goal? Let you and your inner child explore these possibilities.
Therapy
Going to therapy is a major act of self-care. You are showing up for yourself. You are cultivating a time and space for yourself to be seen, heard, to heal, to grow. You are telling yourself that you don’t have to do this alone.
Service
Helping others has a reciprocal effect. Whether you volunteer at the local soup kitchen or pay for the person behind you at Dunkin, small acts of service and random acts of kindness have proven health benefits.
Carving out time for Self Care
All of these practices are great in theory, but when you start to prioritize even just one of them, you will notice an increase in your mental health, your stress levels, and your overall self-love. Set yourself up for success by carving out time in your calendar for 1-3 of these self-care practices.
Self-care is kind of like showering. You can’t just do it once and be done with it. It is a practice that must be done regularly because you are WORTH IT! These small gestures towards yourself matter, just like they would in any relationship. Consistency is key. You’ve got this.
Quantum Psychotherapy Group offers therapy for adults, adolescents, and couples therapy/marriage counseling. We have multiple therapists on our team who specialize in working with anxiety and depression, trauma healing and EMDR, plant medicine preparation and integration, addiction, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and more.