A Little Self Care Goes a Long Way

The holiday season can be a great time of the year for some, it can also be a dreaded time of the year for others. That is why you should remember to exercise self care whether it's an all day activity, or just a few minutes a day.

Whichever it is, remember that a little self care can honestly go along way. Which is why it's even more important that we make a conscious effort for making time for ourselves.

In order to see why self care is so important, we should first discuss the things self care isn't. When it comes to it, in order to understand what something is. We need to understand that thing from every possible angle. Let’s look at a few simple things that when you feel down, will not only make you feel better. Also it’ll help you to gain a better understanding of yourself, and why things effect you the way that they do.

ONE: Self care isn't something that we should feel guilty about, or something that is selfish. It's also not something that we should let others make us feel guilty about needing. It’s perfectly natural to want to take time for ourselves.

Especially when it comes to dealing with mental health matters and a person's well-being. There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking the time to properly deal with something. Regardless of how big or small that thing may potentially be.

TWO: Like I've previously mentioned, self care doesn't have to be a time consuming activity. It can be something as simple as doing something that you enjoy, or stepping away from things such as petty arguments. It's really about doing what is good for you, and taking the time to do those things.

THREE: Self care isn't just about treating yourself! Self care is also about developing things such as internal and external boundaries. With mental health issues, there are many things that can't be avoided or ignored. That's why there are coping strategies, which assist you to acknowledge and learn proper skills and strategies for handling these problems. That you normally have trouble dealing with, through understanding them. Then learning healthy ways in relation to how you react to them and also perceive them.

FOUR: When a person suffers a mental health issue, I know from first hand experience how lonely it can make you feel. Those feelings during the holidays don't go away, merely because it's Christmas. Also, those feelings I know just how overwhelming feelings can be. Hence why the suicide rate is so high this time of year.

Don't dismiss those feelings instead acknowledging them and speaking to either your doctor or therapist about them can help. That's what they are there for and regardless of whatever hesitations you may have don't ignore your emotions. You can also journal if that is something you like, I personally feel doing this can help you organize your own thought process.

Remember that you are not alone, regardless of how many people don't understand your life. There is always someone out there who genuinely cares about you. They may be family, friends or a total stranger, it’s those people who you should focus on, not the people who could care less about you.

What I am trying to say, don't tolerate anything that has a negative effect on you and also your treatment. Especially when it's regarding things that are abusive. When it comes to handling the complexities of a mental health diagnosis, you need to take that seriously. Otherwise, those little obstacles can potentially turn into overwhelming obstacles.

Self care is different for everyone, let's take a look at the things that you can do, to make own life a little less difficult.

• Remember to me mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and also your reactions.
• Remember that toxic people are just that toxic, and don't make excuses for moralizing their abusive behavior.
• Doing what works for you and sticking to your treatment program, that your doctor or therapist made for you.
• Doing something that you enjoy, whether it's with friends or on your own.
• Do what is best for you, also don’t compare your progress to others.
• Don’t feel bad or guilty for taking time for yourself.

Self care is based on what is good for you. Take the time to figure out what those things are. Granted that it does not imply that you won't have good days and bad day's or struggles. That's life, plain and simple.

What it'll do though is teach you the importance of understanding and acknowledging, what can do to improve your life. While also teaching you to do what is good for you, and disregarding the rest. So that you lead a healthy, well balanced life.

It's honestly about doing what is right for you, so that you reach your full potential.