Taking time for yourself may seem like a luxury, but self-care is an important aspect of good mental health.

Let’s be honest, sometimes it can be easier to prioritize others. We may feel guilty to prioritize our own needs and set boundaries to be able to do so; however, your needs are also important! You are valued and loved, worthy of taking the time to take care of yourself. While logically this makes sense, it can be difficult to know how to love yourself and find balance in your life. We tend to be critical or our self, when what we may need the most is some self-compassion.

Awareness is a key aspect within self-care. First, become aware of what you need. By developing self-awareness, one can learn to observe patterns in emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. One can learn to recognize what is needed in the moment. Even the smallest steps can make self-care a little easier. Using #Tools2Thrive in our everyday lives can help us practice self-compassion in practical ways to take care of our mental health and well-being. www.mhanational.org/may

Some of my favorite ways to learn new ideas for self-care have come from:

• Podcasts
• Articles
• Webinars
• Worksheets

These are all resources that therapists regularly utilize as well as like to share with their clients. In addition, one strategy that I like to incorporate is journaling and planning. There are some really fun planners that incorporate journaling prompts.

Learning to let go, gratitude, and positive affirmation within journaling has been helpful as part of self-care.

Here are some fantastic resources for Taking Time for Yourself/Self-Care to get you started:

Podcasts:

• How Do I Love Myself
• How Do I Find Balance in My Life

Articles:

• 6 Ways to Practice Self-Compassion
• 8 of the Best Meditation Apps

Webinar:

• Cultivating Gratitude To Support Wellbeing

Worksheets:

• Self-Care Checkup
• Daily Wellness Chart
• Guided Journal

For a full mental health month guide click here.

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC