5 Ways Self-Care Impacts Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health. The mind and body are so connected that when your mental health suffers, your physical health follows in the form of sickness and stress.

Routine self-care plays a big role in making sure you develop good mental habits that will keep you operating at 100% efficiency.

Here are 5 ways that self-care impacts your mental health in a positive way.

1. More Self-Awareness:  Routine self-care puts you more in touch with yourself – your feelings, your emotions, things you like and don’t like. You listen to your body and set necessary boundaries. You re-connect with old passions and discover new interests as well. When you start giving your mind and body the care you deserve, a world of possibility opens because you know who you truly are.
    
2. Less Stress:  In this fast-paced, chaotic world we live in, we can’t avoid stress. We can make it a little easier to handle, however, by practicing elf-care as part of our daily routine. Get enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition. These are great ways to combat everyday stressors. Through routine self-care, you become more resilient, which allows you to get through the hardest of times, simply because you’ve got a full tank, physically and emotionally.
    
3. Better and Healthier Relationships:  One of the most important relationships you have is with yourself. Show yourself some love every single day and embrace who you are. This attracts people who mirror the way you treat yourself. I have a friend who always says, “you have to teach people how to treat you.” If you want to improve your relationships (and get rid of toxic ones) treat yourself the way you want to be treated. With a little self-care, you’ll be able to give the best possible version of yourself to every relationship you have.
    
4. Positivity: Bring positive change to your life with self-care. Become more intentional with your time. Slow down. Appreciate life on a greater level than you ever have before. Put yourself first and feel better and become more confident. You’ll notice an improvement in your attitude as well as your outlook for the future. It’s much easier to look at the world through a lens of gratitude and optimism when you feel good and have confidence in yourself.
    
5. More Confidence:  How you feel about yourself determines your confidence level. If you put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, your confidence may suffer. It’s like telling yourself that your needs and your want – YOU – are not worth your time or effort. This is where self-care comes in.  Make time for yourself and the things you enjoy. Place your well-being at the top of your priority list. You’re sure to become happier, more self-assured, and productive. Practicing self-care produces positive feelings and helps you maintain a healthier, more confident relationship with yourself and others.

When you take care of your mental health, through routine self-care, the positive effects ripple down through every area of your life and make a huge impact on the direction your life will take.