simple self care

Life can get pretty crazy and stressful, and sometimes, we just need to slow down and take some time for ourselves. In today’s world, productivity and hard work are prioritized, and sometimes, even over-valued, and taking some time off for our mental health is seen as selfish and looked down upon. However, mental self-care is something we need from time to time, as it will only make us happier and more productive in the long term. In this blog, we will discuss some simple activities that anyone can do to take care of their mental health.

Self-care Hack #1: Taking a Walk

Fitness fills us with energy, makes us healthier, sparks productivity and accomplishment, and even boosts GPA! While fitness is primarily seen as a boon for physical health, it also does wonders for our mental health, and to achieve that, we don’t have to do crazy cardio or pilates: taking a walk can work magic. Put in your earbuds, maybe walk your dog if you have one, and stroll through your neighborhood, park, or local trail! Taking a walk allows for calm and peace, and gives time to reflect and be at one with our thoughts. Beautiful scenery and weather also elevates our mood and refreshes our senses. By the time your walk is over, you will feel rejuvenated, calm, and happy.

Self-care Hack #2: Shower and Body Care

There is nothing better than stepping out of a shower and doing methodical routines for your body such as hair care and skin care. Some people (like me) prefer hot showers, because there is nothing better than being covered in steam and warm water and stepping out of the shower calm and peaceful. Others like cold showers, which jolt our senses awake and leave us feeling energized. After a shower, routines like combing your hair or putting lotion on your face or putting oils can elicit a sense of security and constancy, which is what we sometimes need in a world of chaos. Additionally, these body routines can just make us feel really good physically, which can ease us mentally.

Self-care Hack #3: Write your Feelings Out

Speaking about our truest emotions can be difficult, especially for those who are vulnerable around others. But bottling up those emotions only leads to more harm than good. Luckily, there is a way for us to let out our feelings without necessarily telling another person about them: journaling. If you’re angry or sad about something, just take a notebook out, maybe a colored pen if you’d like, and rant about your feelings on paper. Doing this unleashes all the energy and leaves you feeling calm in the end, without the restraints and burdens that come with talking to another person.

Self-care Hack #4: Coloring Books

Who said coloring books were only for kindergarteners! Coloring books can be very therapeutic for anyone! Filling in the white spaces to color in a beautiful picture with pretty pencils can soothe and ease the mind by giving it something to focus on. Whether it’s complex mandela artwork in an adult coloring book, or you want to revert to the days of your childhood and color Disney princesses and Toy Story characters in childrens’ coloring books, coloring lets you forget about all the stressors in the world for just a little bit and instead lets you focus on staying in the lines with your colored pencil.

Self-care Hack #5: Friends and family

Do you have a person who you feel safe with, can talk with, can laugh with, and can share your secrets with? Whether it’s your dad or your grandma or your best friend or brother, spending time with that person can really improve your mental health. Making strong connections with the person you feel the happiest with can take the mind off the stress, and you also end up with a stronger bond! For me, it’s my mom. If someone is bothering me at school, or I’m angry with a teacher, or I just need a little bit of comfort, I pour out all my feelings to my mom, and she guides me and comforts me through it. I feel much better about the things that are bothering me in the end, and I feel closer to my mother.

Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s the 5 hacks above or it’s something else entirely that you believe benefits your mental well-being, do it regularly. Take care of yourself, your mental health, and your well-being, because in the end, you are the most important.

Yours Truly,

Dear Youth Global,

Rachana Venugopal