As you jump into the new year, it is important to create space for mental health self-care. If you’re not quite sure where to start, these self-care quotes are here to give you some guidance.
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1. “Self-care is an attitude that says, ‘I am responsible for myself.’” – Melody Beattie, author of Codependent No More
Understanding the responsibility involved in self-care is the first step in practicing it in your daily life. Though it may not feel possible at times, you have the strength to tend to your health and better your wellbeing. By taking responsibility of your own health, you remain accountable to the most important person: yourself.
2. “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed, Blogger
A common perception toward self-care is that it is selfish. However, this is far from the truth. Practicing self-care can also be beneficial in how you are able to help others in your life.
Oftentimes, we put others’ health and happiness before our own. But self-care is the act of refocusing positive, healing energy to yourself. This way, you are able to give back to others without completely depleting your own emotional resources.
3. “It’s [mental health], not a mountain that you climb or a hurdle that you jump, it’s something that you live with in an ongoing way.” – John Green, The New York Times Interview
This quote shines light on how we must be realistic about our attitudes toward mental health. There is not one sole self-care act or treatment method that will “cure” mental health struggles. Instead, we have to remember that taking care of our mental health is a continuous process. We must prepare to practice long-term self-care acts for long-lasting results.
One way to think about mental health self-care is that you are preparing to run a long, steady marathon. Practicing self-care techniques will help to build your emotional endurance. Continuous self-care will make it easier and more effortless to care for yourself in the future.
4. “Sometimes I give myself a break. I will retreat a moment from the fray, just to breathe.” – Michelle Obama, Women’s Health Interview
One of the most important self-care practices is knowing when to take a break. Set limits and boundaries that you can stick to in situations that are simply too intense to push through.
Additionally, meditation, breathing techniques, and yoga are all effective ways to center yourself in chaotic environments. Keep in mind that you are only able to help others and find productivity in your professional and social environments if you have emotional energy.
5. “If you are having difficulty practicing your self-care, make the act easier by breaking it down into small chunks.” – Good To Me UK
Some methods of breaking down overwhelming tasks include making to-do lists, spreading tasks out over hours or days, and setting reasonable goals for yourself. Most importantly, remember to view these steps, however small you may feel they are, as accomplishments.
Even acts of self-care that are pleasurable can be overwhelming. Keep track of the self-care acts that work best for you—seeing friends, reading a book, tidying your space, creating a sleep routine, etc. Then, separate activities into steps. For example, you might set thirty minutes aside before going to bed to read a chapter of a book or practice guided meditation.
6. “Dear self, I give you permission to both ask for and accept help and support from others.” – Beth Brawley, MA, LPC
Mental heath care professional Beth Brawley brings us this mantra as a way to recognize that self-care does not have to be a solitary practice. Receiving support from friends, family members, or even your mental health care team can be an extremely valuable resource.
This act of permitting yourself to ask for help and support is essential in your self-care practice. Mental health struggles can feel isolating, and tackling this aspect of your health on your own is daunting. Asking for a helping hand from others who understand your struggles and mental health goals is a great way to regather your emotional energy.
If you have trouble asking for help from others, refer back to one of our earlier quotes. You must first nurture yourself before you can give your all to the rest of the world.
7. “I am doing the best I can! But I need to learn my best is good enough!” – @katiefightsmentalhealth
Finally, this last quote leaves us to reflect on our self-care practices. Self-care is not meant to be an exhausting obligation. There will be days where self-care is much harder to practice than others. In these moments, remember to be kind to yourself and recognize that you are trying your best. And your best is enough.
Here at The Woods at Parkside, You Are Enough
Our staff members are here to support you as you practice self-care for your mental health. If you want to discuss your mental health or ask questions about treatment, call our admissions specialists at 614-471-2552 or fill out our online contact form.
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Original Author: The Woods at Parkside
