Self -care for mental health - yoga

What does “self-care” mean to you? For some, it may conjure up images of bubble baths and massages; to others it may look like a dynamic yoga class and green juice; and to others it may just seem like getting a decent night's sleep. The term “self-care” has gained a firm place at the center of the wellbeing world in recent years and has established itself as an important part of health. While self-care is indeed an essential part of well-being, most of it focuses on physical well-being in the form of exercise, diet or sleep, forgetting that alongside these practices that take care of physical health, there is something much more valuable to take care of; Mental health. Self-care isn't just about what you eat for breakfast or how committed you are to a daily yoga practice; It's about being kind to yourself, even on these days the “inner critic” is particularly loud. It's about learning how to navigate the sometimes murky waters of the mind and honoring our emotions no matter what. This February, instead of talking about self-love or physical self-care, we want to share a three-step practice to take care of your mental health because true wellness starts within. Try these simple tips to show your mind some love this month.

Be with what is

We all experience sadness, stress, fear or darkness to different degrees - it is part of human experience. Emotions are simply the way the body reacts to different stimuli; A bad night's sleep or working dates can increase the anxiety, while a chemical imbalance in the brain can lead to depression - there is nothing at allincorrectwith feeling down, it's a natural part of life. Hopefully, it's no secret by now that those idealistic and happy images we see of others on social media are often not real, and that the person on the other side of the screen probably has the same nagging fear or underlying worry that you're familiar with. Knowing that you are not alone is the first and crucial step to mental health self-care, and accepting that sometimes it feels like being a human being isn't feeling your best. Breath awareness is a great way to calm the nervous system and allow us to observe thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way. Set yourself up in a gently supported backbend with the(link removed)and allow yourself to observe without getting caught up in what you find.Tisserand's little stress relief box Can add therapeutic scents to each breath to put them in a state of relaxation. When we feel emotional discomfort, it is important to appreciate these feelings and to accept the reality of what we experience, instead of suppressing them. Only then can we work with them and overcome them.

diary

Writing down as we feel like a profound exercise, but it can really change how we feel in a very short time. When we keep thoughts and emotions under lock, they often cause more damage and can even manifest themselves as physical symptoms such as back pain and headache. A stream-of-consciousness journaling can help to transport these thoughts out of your head on the paper in front of you, where you can see them from a different perspective. Thoughts seem much larger and more stressful if we cannot see them, but if we write them on paper and carry them into the world, we can look at them more objectively and they have less power over us.The Elizabeth GilbertYou are safediaryis a calming, cloth-covered safe place to write down whatever comes to mind. Many people are afraid to take this step because it means accepting how we feel and admitting difficult emotions, but this is one of the best things you can do to make a positive difference.

The three basics

When I feel depressed, I always stop by to think about whether I covered the three basics; Sunlight, food and water. People share many of our basic needs with plants; We need enough sunlight to compensate for our circadian rhythm and stimulate dopamine (a neurochemical responsible for motivation), enough water to supply our cells with moisture and enable the brain to work properly, and enough food (in particular fats and B vitamins). To maintain the nervous system and to support a stable mood. Taking care of his mental health definitely does not have to mean taking over complex rituals, just ask yourself; Have you been outside today? Do you drink enough water? Did you eat well today? Bring itW&P Porter water bottle with you to ensure you stay well hydrated throughout the day and select recipesNice water: daily hydration recipes for wellness and self-care for an extra portion of love in every sip. If there is an activity that you know you enjoy doing, you should also consider whether you have engaged in it recently. Do you love gardening, singing, playing soccer or dancing? When was the last time you did it?

Find your tribe

It cannot be denied that we need community. The past few years have shown us how much people suffer when we are separated and isolated, and studies show that our brain itself has to feel that we are not lonely and that we have support. In step 4 of self -care for mental health, it is about talking to someone and sharing how you feel. Similar to the diary letter, this can be a challenging but incredibly powerful step. To speak to someone else - be it a friend, a family member or a psychiatrist - gives us the opportunity to shift these thoughts and emotions from the dark and mysterious mind and to the world where we can start working with them. Remember that absolutely every moment has mental problems and that it is something to talk to someone about what people have been doing for centuries to support each other. If you believe that a friend or family member would benefit from a conversation, this is also a good opportunity to report and offer your support.

Repeat

If you've practiced the first four steps but still don't feel better - go back to step one and be compassionate with yourself again, then go through the steps and consider contacting a professional for further guidance. However, if you have practiced steps 1-4 and feel better, I can't tell you enough how important it iskeep going!If we have overcome a physical or mental challenge and feel better, it is common to let go of the practices that originally helped us, which can lead to old not helpful patterns reappear. Just as we may commit to regular yoga practice or physical education, a nutrition plan or a sleep schedule for physical self-care, the obligation to do diary, meditation, therapy and the three foundations of important components of self-care for mental health, so show something love with this 5-step practice this month.