You do it all and care for everyone around you, but who takes care of you? Most of the time, it has to be you! With limited time in each day, prioritizing self-care is a challenge for everyone.
The care we give ourselves (or don’t) can add up and impact how we feel, our mental health, and our physical health. Consider this blog your self-care toolbox check-in. We’ll go over what self-care is, why it is important, and what you can do to practice self-care to support your mental health and feel your best.
What is self-care?
Self-care is what we do to protect our health, prevent illness, and manage stress. It’s also all the things we do to take care of our emotional needs. It is brushing our teeth, washing our face before bed, going on a walk, starting a new hobby, saying no when we need to, or following a passion.
It is each action you take to be healthy, listen to your body, and bring yourself joy. And it all adds up to your overall well-being. It is not selfish and it’s important for your health.
Why is self-care important?
Because you matter and your needs matter. When we do things to take care of our mind and body, we have a larger capacity to do life. From making tough decisions to processing emotions, self-care helps us build mental strength. It also helps us be healthier, enjoy life, and care for those we love.
Things you can do for self-care
The are many ways to care for yourself: new activities, breaks from screens, sun, fresh air, movement, healthy foods, sleep, getting medical care, and trying new things. Every day is different, and everyone is different.
Here are five things to try:
1. Get a full night’s sleep
A regular sleep routine helps reduce anxiety, improves focus and mood, and is good for our overall health. When we don’t get quality sleep regularly, we are more likely to develop health conditions or mental disorders.
“Giving yourself adequate time for healthy sleep is important for you to function at your best and feel your best. A consistent bedtime and wake-up time helps ensure that you get the sleep you need.”
– Dr. LuAnn Lawton Chen, CHPW Senior Medical Director
2. Try a new hobby
Making time to play can seem out of reach. But, doing things just for fun is ok and it is good for us!
Finding new activities is a great way to take time for yourself. Try origami, painting, or coloring. You could browse the library for a new book, write in a journal, or take up bird watching.
3. Move every day
When we move our muscles, our bodies release stress which helps us feel happy. Walking, hiking, dancing, yoga, or sports can do the trick, or it can be stretching when you wake up, walking outside, or riding a bike. You make the rules, and all movement helps.
“Get active and stay active. The mind and body are connected so a brisk walk can clear your head, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Exercise is an antidepressant that helps your body send natural feel-good substances to your brain.”
– Dr. Terry Lee, CHPW Senior Behavioral Health Medical Director
Time in nature is a great way to connect with yourself, clear your head, and get moving. Thinking about taking up outdoor walks and hikes? The Washington Trail Association makes it’s easy to find the right trail with their hike finder map.
4. Get involved in your community
If you feel frustrated by things happening in your city, your school district, or by something else that impacts your life, consider taking positive action. You could volunteer, attend a city hall meeting, or find other ways to be part of a solution.
5. Take care of your physical health
Making sure we’re healthy is a big part of self-care. We know we should see a doctor regularly, get our eyes checked, and go to the dentist. But making those appointments can be easy to forget!
Staying on top of medical appointments is not only good for our physical health, but it also helps our mental health. By following through, we build self-confidence. By staying connected with our care team, we know more about the state of our health that can help us feel more in control.
Health Calendar
This health calendar for CHPW Apple Health (Medicaid) members is a great tool for planning appointments you may want to schedule, like your annual checkup. Keep in mind, many health plans offer benefits that could help with relaxation and stress too, like acupuncture or massage.
Ask for help to support your mental health
“People often want to help others. Reach out to your friends and family and let them know how you’re feeling. Sharing your thoughts can be therapeutic. If it would be better for you to talk with someone you don’t know personally, CHPW can help connect you with the services you need. Even if you are not sure if you need this type of support, a trained therapist can work with you to help figure that out.” – Dr. Terry Lee
If everything feels difficult, you are having trouble sleeping, or life is overwhelming right now, know there are people who can support you. See if connecting with a counselor might help.
We all have different needs on different days, and that’s ok. If something isn’t working for you, try something else! Remember, the better we care for ourselves, the better we can care for others, and enjoy our lives! Take a walk, take a nap, take your time. Take care of YOU.
Learn more
- See if a mental health checkup could help in our blog, Should I go to therapy?
- Mental health services are covered with CHPW plans, check yours: Apple Health (Medicaid) | CHPW Medicare Advantage | Individual & Family
- Are you a CHPW Apple Health member? Get the most out of your coverage with our health calendar.