Caring for your mental health should always be a top priority. We live in a world where conditions like anxiety and depression are running rampant. While these conditions are often treated with medication, that’s not the best solution for everyone. 

Self-care isn’t necessarily a replacement when you need a specific type of treatment. But, regular self-care practices can support your mental well-being and fight back against the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and so much more. 

The best part? Self-care doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or even selfish. Rather, it’s about finding small ways to incorporate wellness into your routine. 

So, what can you do to start practicing self-care every day in an effort to support your mental health? 

Get Physical

Most people know that regular exercise can improve your physical health. But, it can also do wonders for your mental well-being. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day can boost your mood, reduce stress, and leave you feeling happier.

You don’t have to hit the gym or run five miles to get the benefits of physical activity. Find something you enjoy doing, and you’re more likely to stick with it. Go for a morning bike ride, join a dance class, or enjoy an evening walk with your family. There are plenty of ways to get active and reap the rewards. 

person walking in an empty field towards a setting sun above mountainsPrioritize Sleep

A lack of sleep and mental health issues go hand-in-hand. For example, people who deal with depression might have a hard time sleeping. But, the less sleep you get, the worse your symptoms are likely to become. Those with anxiety might have a hard time sleeping because of their racing thoughts. Unfortunately, a lack of sleep can make those thoughts even more intense. 

Do what you can to get enough rest each night. Improve your sleep hygiene by going to bed around the same time every day. Make sure your room is the ideal sleeping environment with no distractions. Stop using electronics for at least an hour before bed. These small changes can make a big difference in how easy it is for you to get the rest your mind and body need. 

Stay Connected with Others

Technology has made it easy to keep in touch with friends and family. While texting, calling, and FaceTiming your loved ones is great, try to connect in person with people you care about as often as possible. 

This kind of connection is a wonderful form of self-care that will help you feel supported, understood, and heard. There’s no replacement for face-to-face interaction. Even if you don’t have the option of spending time with loved ones, put yourself out there by taking a class or joining some kind of club. Meeting new people and finding common interests can be both exciting and rewarding. 

Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude

It’s easy to focus on the negative things in your life. That’s especially true when you’re prone to anxiety or depressive thoughts. 

Consider keeping a gratitude journal with you at all times, so you can identify each moment of “thanks” throughout your day. There are so many things that are easy to overlook on a daily basis, but when you take the time to be mindful of each moment and grateful for the positive things, you’ll start to see that your life isn’t as negative as you might want to perceive. 

Keeping a journal is a great way to not only remind yourself to be grateful, but it gives you the opportunity to look back on everything in your life you can be thankful for. 

Self-care isn’t selfish, and it can be a fantastic support to your mental health. Consider talking to a mental health professional about the additional benefits of self-care, and how it can boost your well-being without medication. Reach out to learn more depression treatment.