There are so many things going on in the world, our daily personal lives, faced-paced working environment and social media, that it can become overwhelming. It is necessary to stop amid all this and just ask yourself, "How am I doing?". If you are stressed, distracted, sad or cannot focus on work, maybe it is time you take a break, drink a big glass of water, take a walk or breathe for a moment. Taking offs when you feel unmotivated is a luxury not many of us have, but it definitely isn't poor ethics. It is a basic human need that all of us have and need to function adequately. And that is where self-care comes in. We must take a few hours from our daily schedule and focus on taking time off to care for our mental health. So, if you are looking for some tips to practice self-care, you have come to the right place. We got in touch with a Delhi-based clinical psychologist, Dr Samriddhi Khatri, and she shared tips on practicing self-care to improve our mental health.
Explaining why we need self-care, Dr Samriddhi said, "Mental health includes all aspects of one's life - physical, emotional or psychological wellness and social well-being. And self-care can play a vital role in enhancing our well-being and maintaining our mental health." Here are a few self-care tips that you can follow in your daily life.
Physical Exercise
Dr Samriddhi explained, "30 to 40 minutes of physical exercise each day can help reduce the stress hormones and improve our health. Of course, you don't have to stick to this time limit. You can start with shorter periods and increase gradually. Even taking a walk in the park or doing less intense activities is a great place to begin."
Having Fun
According to Dr Samriddhi, "'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' - holds true in our lives. Because we are so busy all the time, often we don't have time to enjoy. Most importantly, many don't consider it essential. This ultimately leads to a lack of motivation and burnout. So, take some time out of your day to do any activity you like. It can be going on a vacation, having dinner with loved ones, going to the spa, shopping or more. Basically, do something that keeps you alive and is fun."
Setting Small Goals
Dr Samriddhi said, "Set small, achievable goals for yourself throughout the day. It doesn't have to be a huge task and could be based on your priority for that particular time. So that once you achieve them, you can give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate. It will help you stay motivated and less stressed."
Learn To Say No
"Say no to things that do not fit your idea of life. Because every time you do something to please others or because people are doing it, ultimately, you will not have gained any contentment from doing that task. It does not mean you have to make reckless choices. You can make your own calculated decisions based on what fits and doesn't into your scheme of life," Dr Samriddhi expressed.
Proper Sleep
Dr Samriddhi said, "Getting an adequate amount of sleep and good quality of sleep is essential for our mind and body because it is during sleep that our brain processes the information that we have received throughout the day. So, sleep about 6-8 hours each night. Practicing good sleep hygiene can also help, like maintaining a proper sleep schedule or avoiding screen time before going to bed. These steps can enhance your sleep quality."
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