Our lives are more hectic and fast-paced than ever. According to statistics, 3.8 million Britons completed around 7.6 hours of overtime each week in 2021, equating to £7,100 of unpaid wages. On top of this, the pandemic and cost of living crisis have pushed families towards the bread line, leading to a mental health crisis the likes of which we have never seen before.

While there isn’t a one-stop solution, creating a good self-care routine can help. Keep reading as we reveal why self-care is so important. Plus, we’ll share several mental health self-care tips that alleviate anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem and more.

What is self-care?

Self-care for mental health is any activity or practice that nourishes your mind, body and spirit. It’s highly personal to each individual and can be separated into two categories: short-term self-care and long-term self-care.

Short-term self-care is anything that makes you feel better immediately. For instance, hot bubble baths, restorative massages and nights spent cuddled up with a good book – phone on “do not disturb”!

Long-term self-care often feels worse in the moment but leads to positive lasting changes. Some people establish healthier coping mechanisms in therapy. Others swap junk food for plant-based meals and stress-busting exercise.

Why is self-care important?

Combats depression and anxiety

Self-care is an effective tool alongside medical and therapeutic intervention. Relaxation exercises like meditation and breathing practices are especially effective. Plus, research shows that yoga reduces general anxiety, distress during illness and postpartum depression.

Evidence aside, most approaches to self-care for anxiety are accessible and cost-effective, unlike many other treatments. While individuals wait for NHS-funded counselling, they can take ownership of their mental health, which feels incredibly empowering.

 

Boosts self-esteem

Self-care is an excellent way to boost self-esteem. Eating nutritious food, staying hydrated and exercising facilitates weight loss and youthful, dewy skin. What’s more, you’re bound to sleep better – the key to enhanced feelings of wellbeing!

Craving a little me-time and a dash of much-needed confidence? Visit our spa in the heart of the English countryside. We offer countless indulgent treatments, including detox therapies, body wraps and bathing rituals. Our favourite self-care practice includes a luxurious facial – choose between the LED Skin Rejuvenation and the Lumafirm Lift & Glow for a flawless complexion.

Often leads to better physical health

As well as supercharging your mental health, self-care promotes physical vibrancy. Moving your body and filling your plate with leafy greens is the antidote to disease – longevity isn’t complicated!

Most importantly, decreased stress levels protect us against heart and circulatory illnesses, like high blood pressure and stroke. Research even suggests that chronic stress suppresses the immune system, alters stomach acid concentration and leads to plaque build-up in arteries. As such, scheduling some time for yourself isn’t a nice-to-have but a non-negotiable.

More space to nurture relationships

Why is self-care important? It’ll give you the time and space to nurture your relationships. You’ll have bundles more energy and motivation to socialise with friends and family. If you’re feeling particularly generous, invite them to join the fun!

Enjoy a meal together, book a creative class or hit the gym. Alternatively, how about a refreshing thermal spa experience that uses herbal saunas and hydrotherapy to soothe sore muscles and frazzled nerves? The possibilities are endless, but one thing’s guaranteed – you’ll leave feeling more connected than ever before.

Encourages a sense of purpose

A lack of purpose is one of the leading causes of depression. In fact, self-actualisation (the fulfilment of your talent and potential) is at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. However, many people don’t know what they want to do with their lives and stumble around feeling hopeless and aimless.

In reality, nobody has it figured out. However, adopting self-care practices will give you the headspace to unearth your passions. It’s impossible to make significant life decisions when you’re overtired, overworked and overstressed!

3 mental health self-care tips

1. Speak to a professional

Dealing with depression or anxiety isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Alongside speaking to your healthcare provider, we offer a range of innovative therapies that centre on self-care for mental health.

Our welcoming wellness clinic is a safe place where you can create healthier habits. Worried about your diet? Speak to a nutritionist and explore mood-boosting recipes to support your brand-new routine. Or try wellness and lifestyle coaching – a friendly professional will give all the self-care tools you need to thrive.

2. Book a holiday or retreat

If you’re overwhelmed, booking a holiday or retreat is a fantastic opportunity to get away from it all. With no distractions, commitments or pesky work emails, you can reconnect with yourself and rediscover everything that makes you happy.

Our five-star residential retreats are a sanctuary away from everyday stress. Alongside meeting like-minded individuals, you’ll pick up plenty of self-care for depression techniques, including Nordic walking.

3. Do one thing a day you really love

While it’s all too easy to put yourself last, you can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why self-care for anxiety is essential – it gives you the energy to live your life to the fullest. Remember to make time for yourself every day, even if it’s only 15 minutes.

Above all else, keep it simple. Otherwise, self-care becomes another chore on your to-do list. Stroll around the block, call a friend or watch your favourite Netflix show. It’s the little things that count!

Prioritise self-care for mental health

Self-care for mental health keeps us afloat in times of stress. No matter how busy life gets, drawing inspiration and motivation from your favourite pursuits should be at the top of your priorities.

If you need some help building a self-care for depression routine, visit the team at Homefield Grange to see how we can help. We also offer a treasure chest of relaxation treatments to kick-start your wellness journey.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call 01536 712 219 or email enquiries@homefieldgrange.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

T. 01536 712 219 (9am-5.30pm)

E. enquiries@homefieldgrange.co.uk

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