Self-care is a trendy phrase that is often defined in the media by everything from buying new clothing to sending yourself a valentine. However, the “official” definition of self-care  that we adhere to is, “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.” Another definition we like is, “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Unfortunately, many people put caring for themselves in impactful ways at the very bottom of their to-do list. In turn, this creates feelings of resentment, poor health, and feelings of unhappiness. And this, in turn, can make it even harder to take care of oneself. It’s a vicious cycle, and too many are trapped right in the middle of it. Prioritizing the care of your mental and physical health can help increase your energy levels, improve your mood and self-image, lower your risk of illness, and help you be better equipped to handle difficult circumstances. Here are a few of our favorite ways that you can start improving your self-care quotient today, and perhaps start feeling better right away:

Get support

Therapy is not just for extreme cases, those with mental illness, and is not a result of weakness. Instead, seeing a therapist is a very healthy way to learn tools to cope with stress and anxiety, get a fresh perspective on an issue, work through difficult life circumstances or transitions, and learn new ways to manage emotions. At the El Mirage medical center and emergency room, we are strong advocates for receiving counseling in El Mirage.

Connect with others

Reaching out to loved ones is a great example of self-care. Connection with others helps us to gain a different perspective, improves feelings of wellbeing, regulates our emotions, and improves our sense of empathy. Ensure that those you seek connection with have a positive influence on your mental health, and don’t waste valuable energy on those who don’t give back to you.

Take care of your body

How can you practice self-care if your self isn’t being cared for properly? It’s important to eat healthfully, maintain an active lifestyle, get enough sleep, and keep stress at a minimum. Pay attention to how your food, drink, sleep patterns, and activities make you feel; both immediately and long-term. Taking care of your body may seem trivial, but it plays a huge role in your mental wellbeing. When taking care of your body, even small steps toward self-care can have a big impact.

Are you grateful?

Taking a moment at the end or beginning of each day to express gratitude can help put things in perspective. Whether you’re thankful for a perfect cup of coffee, a friendly store clerk, good health, loving friends or family, or a good book, it’s important to “name and claim” the gifts you’re given. After all, there’s always at least one thing to be grateful for during each day. At the very least, you can consider it early practice for Thanksgiving!