Discover simple 10 self-care practices to enhance your mental well-being. From mindfulness and physical activity to setting boundaries and cultivating gratitude.
Before I get into this post, I want to emphasize that self-care practices for mental well-being are not only for those with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. These practices are relevant and beneficial to everyone. In our busy and demanding lives, whether you’re a parent, professional, or student, stress and overwhelm can affect us all more often than we realize. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate self-care practices into our everyday routines to boost our mental well-being.
In today’s world, where we are constantly having to deal with different responsibilities, we tend to overlook our mental health. However, neglecting our mental well-being can have significant consequences on our overall quality of life.
After becoming a mother, my mental health was the worst it has ever been. My anxiety levels were so high and it was affecting my everyday life. Since creating a self-care routine for myself, it has made a huge difference to my mental health. This is why I wanted to share 10 different self-care practices you can incorporate into your daily lives to help boost your mental well-being.
By dedicating time and attention to self-care, It can help reduce stress levels, enhance our emotional stability, and improve our overall mental well-being. Self-care practices provide us with the necessary tools and strategies to navigate through life’s ups and downs, promoting a sense of balance, fulfillment, and inner peace.
This blog post provides you with 10 simple self-care practices that you can easily add to your daily routine. Whether you’re seeking ways to manage stress, increase happiness, or simply maintain a positive mindset, these practices will help boost your mental well-being.
This post is all about self-care practices to help boost your mental well-being.
Self-Care Practices
Top 10 Self-Care Tips
Below I have shared the 10 best self-care practices that I have been doing for the past year now that has helped my mental well-being significantly. I hope these tips help you just as much as they have helped me!
1. Prioritize Sleep
I know this can be challenging if you are a parent. This was something I struggled with for a while. But catching up on sleep has helped me not only be energized during the day but it has boosted my mood so much. I know many of you may not want to hear this but the best way to catch up on sleep is by napping whilst they nap. You may feel like during that time you can get a lot done. But if you have not slept for 7-8 hours during the night, then you need to prioritize sleep during nap time.
If you cannot do naps, try to get your partner to do the morning routine whilst you sleep in for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Doing this has helped me so much! Prioritizing sleep will definitely enhance your mood, concentration, and overall cognitive function. So, make sleep your number 1 priority!
If you are not a parent, you need to ensure that you get 7-8 hours of sleep. For example, if you sleep at 10:30 then you need to be awake at 7:30 latest. This way you are getting the right amount of sleep, any more than that, can actually affect your energy levels during the day.
2. Move Your Body
I will always mention this tip in nearly all of my blog posts about mental well-being. Because moving my body for 10-20 minutes has made the most difference to my mental well-being.
Regular exercise has numerous mental health benefits. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Find an exercise routine that suits your preferences and capabilities, whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, pilates, or strength training. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of exercise every day and have active rest days, such as going out for a walk or doing a 10-minute stretch.
I know if you are a mum or someone with a busy lifestyle you may think you do not have enough time. But you do! This is why I wrote a blog post a couple of weeks ago sharing a busy mum workout schedule that also works for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Doing 10-20 minutes of exercise every day will not only boost your mental well-being but it will help you stay consistent. Click HERE for the blog post.
3. Create A Morning And Night Routine
I created a morning and night routine nearly a year ago and this has helped with my anxiety so much! This is because morning and night routines create a sense of consistency and stability in your daily life. Predictability and structure can help reduce feelings of anxiety by providing a clear plan for your day. Knowing what to expect can bring a sense of calmness and security, promoting overall mental well-being.
Create a morning and night routine that fits your lifestyle. If you need some inspiration then click HERE where I have shared a morning routine that will help boost your mental well-being and help set a positive tone for the day ahead. I have also shared a night routine checklist on my Instagram that will help you have a restful and relaxing evening to relieve any stress or overwhelm you may have felt during the day. Click HERE for the routine checklist.
4. Connect With Nature
Spending time in nature has a significant impact on mental well-being. Take a walk in the park, go hiking, or simply sit in your garden or nearby green space. Connecting with nature, and appreciating your surroundings helps reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall feelings of well-being.
I do this during times of stress and when my anxiety levels are so high. I take my daughter to the park or just for a quick walk and my mood improves significantly! If you think you do not have time to go out in nature because you work a full-time job then try to spend your lunch time in the outdoors or walk to or from work, or both.
5. Create A Calming Environment
One way to do this is by cleaning. A clean and organized living space can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Clutter and mess can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm you. Creating a time during the day or week for a few cleaning activities can help create a calming and peaceful environment, which can promote a sense of relaxation and clarity.
Another way you can do this is to designate a space in your home where you can relax and unwind. Make it comfortable and clutter-free, and find things that bring you joy and promote a sense of calmness. For example, lighting a candle, dimming the lights, and reading a book.
6. Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Set boundaries around your screen usage, especially when it comes to social media and news consumption. Take regular breaks from your devices and engage in activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones.
You can set yourself a day and time to do this. I usually do this every evening, especially on Friday evenings. Scheduling a time will help make this a habit and will help boost your mental well-being.
7. Practice Gratitude
Developing an attitude of gratitude can significantly impact your mental well-being. Take a few minutes in the morning to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This simple practice will help shift your focus toward positivity and promotes a sense of contentment.
Practicing gratitude in the mornings has helped me deal with many challenging days. It is a constant reminder that there is so much more to be grateful for even if some of your days are tough. Consider having a gratitude journal that will include gratitude prompts for you to fill in every morning.
8. Maintain A Healthy Diet
What you eat can significantly influence your mental health. Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine. Proper nutrition can positively impact your mood and cognitive abilities.
Eating well has significantly improved my mental well-being. And one thing I did to help with my anxiety was cutting down on caffeine. I have limited my caffeine intake to 1 coffee a day and in the evenings I have a decaf peppermint tea. It may seem like a small thing, but it has made a significant improvement in my mental well-being.
9. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Pay attention to how you speak to yourself and replace self-critical thoughts with positive affirmations. Challenge negative beliefs and reframe them in a more positive and constructive way. Cultivating positive self-talk can improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall mental well-being.
I downloaded an app a year ago that has helped me do this so much! The app is called ‘I am’ and it sends you notifications every hour with positive affirmations. Every time I get notified I read them out to myself and I have seen it help me during my toughest days when I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
10. Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your mental well-being. Learn to say no when necessary and avoid overcommitting yourself. Prioritize your needs and allocate time for relaxation, self-reflection, and self-care. Setting boundaries allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout. At the end of the day, the only person that matters is you!
Remember, self-care practices are important to maintain healthy mental well-being. You do not need to have mental health issues. We all need to create self-care routines for ourselves to be the best person we can possibly be.
I hope you found these tips helpful and make a difference to your mental well-being as they have for me.
Make sure to follow my socials – Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Amazon Storefront, and LikeToKnowIt – for more healthy lifestyle content!
Lots of love, Mariam x
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This post was all about self-care practices to help boost your mental well-being.
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