You are important. You matter. And, you probably do not give yourself the “Me Time” you deserve so very much. Make today the day that it all changes. You do not need to make a grand gesture for yourself. Instead, give the wonderful person that you are the gift of allowing yourself to do things that are just for you. You take care of everyone else in your world. Now it is time to make yourself a priority.
Talk to a Counselor
Mental health issues are not as stigmatized as they were in the past. After all, you deal with your physical health concerns without worrying about other people’s opinions, so why not handle your mental health the same way?
Consider how you feel after talking with a good friend about a problem or even a recent joyful moment in your life. You will usually leave that interaction with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude over the encounter. A counselor will help you achieve similar feelings and a sense of acceptance and satisfaction in your life. They will talk with you and assist you in working towards becoming the person you want to be or wading through the murky waters of past trauma.
Talking with others, specifically, professionals is helpful when you are dealing with everyday stressors and the general world around you. You never have to do it alone. Look for counseling near me to find a trained counselor.
Practice the Art of Doing Nothing
With the world moving at a rapid pace, it can be difficult to step away. Make it happen by putting down your ever-present to-do list. Turn your phone on vibrate (you still need to be available in case of emergency) and only answer if it is necessary.
Pick up a book and a cup of coffee or tea. If you enjoy a good pour-over coffee, relish in the ritual of the process. Perhaps you should seek out a brick-and-mortar bookshop. Tuck into a corner with a new read and a drink that someone else makes just for you. Do not think about anything else that needs tending to in your life.
Take a deep breath and know that the responsibilities will await you when you emerge from solitude. But, for right now, permit yourself to not worry about them. You get to enjoy what is right in front of you without interruption. You get to do nothing.
Watch this video for guidance on the best practices for deep breathing to help you relax.
Make All of Your Medical Appointments
If you have been putting off any medical appointments over the past couple of years, now is the time to catch up. With shutdowns, health concerns, and more childcare responsibilities than before, many people have canceled or put off necessary medical visits.
Go ahead, pull out your calendar and schedule them today. Here is a list to get you started:
- Annual Well Exam
- Eye Exam
- Dental Exam
- Mental Health Visit
- Dermatology Exam
- Hearing Check, as needed
Treat yourself to whatever you need at the moment. When you are busy, schedule time in your calendar to do something that benefits you. After all, you need to be your best self to function well and care for those who rely on you.
