Symptoms of a Drug Prescription
Self-Care
How Self-Care Can Help Your Mental Health
By Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ July 11, 2024
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Mom’s eyes.
Do you often wonder how simple things like taking a walk, writing in a journal or taking deep breaths help your well-being?
Well, you are not alone.
Many people brush off the notion that a simple technique could help with anxiety, depression, negative thoughts and being overwhelmed with life in general.
I admit I was guilty of this for years. Thinking that a simple quick fix pill will solve everything.
Boy was I wrong.
After years of witnessing my daughter being pumped up on prescription drugs trying to improve her mental health with no relief and definitely no cure, my eyes are now open to alternative treatment plans which includes self-care.
So, what is self-care?
According to the National Institute of Health, self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.
Self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy.
Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
What are examples of self-care?
For me self-care is anything I do for myself to help me relax and to relieve the stress or anxiety I might be feeling.
I go out for a slow walk looking at the sky, listening to the birds and even laughing at the chipmunks — thinking how Disney got that right.
For other people, like my daughter, a more physical activity works best.
Nikki will go running no matter the weather. This for her helps clear her head from negative thoughts.
Others may find sitting on a bench near water soothing and peaceful, calming the mind of unwanted thoughts.
The idea is to do something so you can take control of your well-being.
To begin with, self-care has key components that you should incorporate into your daily routine as much as possible.
What are the key components of self-care?
- Exercise regularly: It doesn’t have to be strenuous, just as long as it keeps you moving
- Eat healthy: Organic is best; keep sweets and non-healthy foods for special occasions
- Stay connected: In today’s world with remote learning and working, it is easy to isolate yourself. Even if you have no one to do something with, you can be your best friend. Go to a park, zoo, art museum, mall but get out and do something
- Make sleep a priority
- Live in the present: It’s easy to keep going back to the past but try not to. It is also easy to worry about the future, but no one can say what will happen tomorrow. It is OK to remember the past or plan for the future, but then you have to just go forward
- Set limits for social media: Learn to put the phone down
- Limit alcohol and recreational drugs consumption
- Set realistic goals and priorities in your homelife: Over committing can lead to being overwhelmed. No one can do everything all of the time. Learn to say no whenever possible
Let’s break this down further with some examples of self-care
You may want to consider any of these or have something else that interests you.
Self-care is strictly something you do for yourself. Not a chore you have to get done, not an outing for someone else, but for your well-being.
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Soaking in a warm bath or just your feet; if there are no health issues prohibiting it, some people find using Epson salt in the warm water decreases anxiety
- Journaling
- Drawing
- Listening to music
- Meditation
- Walking, running, jogging, hiking, biking
- Golfing
- Horseback riding
- Etc.
Self-care can be an alternative to a drug treatment program when possible but it should be a part of any wellness plan.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
-Unknown –
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Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
Medical Disclaimer:
We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
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