Self-Care Matters: How to Support Your Physical and Mental Health
What is Self-Care Anyway?
Self-care is the practice of intentionally taking actions to preserve, maintain, or improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Think of it as giving yourself the same level of care and attention you’d give your phone when it drops to 1% battery—because, let’s be honest, you deserve a recharge too!
Engaging in self-care not only promotes physical and mental health but also helps you stay grounded in a world where Wi-Fi is never fast enough and the grocery store always has the longest checkout line when you're in a hurry. By prioritizing your well-being, you boost your resilience, practice self-compassion, and improve your overall outlook on life. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to tackle life's curveballs (like that one co-worker who emails you 'urgent' tasks at 4:59 PM).
Physical Self-Care: Nurturing Your Body
Your body is like a car—you need to fuel it, maintain it, and occasionally take it for a spin to keep it running smoothly. Here are four ways to keep your physical health in top shape:
Exercise and Movement – Exercise releases endorphins, aka the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. Whether it’s hitting the gym, dancing in your kitchen like no one’s watching, or taking a leisurely stroll (read: avoiding eye contact with your neighbors), movement is key to feeling good.
Sleep – Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is crucial to your health. And yes, binge-watching an entire series in one night is not a valid sleep strategy (no matter how good the show is).
Spending Time Outdoors – Nature is basically a free stress-relief app. Whether it's hiking, gardening, or just sitting outside and staring dramatically into the distance like you’re in a music video, fresh air works wonders for your mood.
Daily Activities – Taking a shower, eating something other than cereal, and staying hydrated are all basic self-care moves. Small wins count, so celebrate them!
Mental Health Self-Care: Nurturing Your Mind
Your brain deserves just as much TLC as your body. Mental health self-care helps you manage stress, process emotions, and stay balanced when life throws unexpected challenges your way (like when you accidentally send an email too soon and hit “Reply All”). Here are five ways to keep your mental well-being in check:
Mindfulness and Meditation – Being present in the moment can help you break the cycle of stress and overthinking. Meditation doesn’t have to be sitting silently for hours—sometimes, just taking a deep breath before responding to that frustrating text is a win.
Journaling and Reflection – Writing down your thoughts can be a great way to process emotions and track personal growth. Plus, it’s nice to have a record of all your brilliant shower thoughts.
Therapy – Talking to a professional can provide clarity, coping strategies, and a non-judgmental space to vent about the small (and big) stuff. Because sometimes, your best friend’s advice to “just relax” isn’t quite enough.
Emotional Regulation Techniques – Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or simply screaming into a pillow (no judgment) can help you manage stress and stay emotionally balanced.
Social Connections and Support Systems – Surrounding yourself with positive people can make a huge difference. Whether it’s family, friends, or that one coworker who always has snacks, good company is essential for well-being.
Prioritizing Your Well-Being
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles (although, those are great too). It’s about making sure you’re functioning at your best so you can handle whatever life throws at you—whether that’s work stress, family responsibilities, or trying to assemble IKEA furniture without losing your mind.
Remember, you are deserving of care, compassion, and rest. Make self-care a priority and embrace the small things that keep you feeling like your best self. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we encourage you to prioritize self-care as part of your wellness journey. If you need a little extra help, our Anchoring Hope app offers mindfulness exercises, emotional regulation techniques, and guided self-care practices. Download it today and start giving yourself the care you truly deserve by visiting the Apple app store and searching for “Anchoring Hope”!
