With September approaching, it can be a good time to reflect on your own needs and perhaps consider some ways to nurture yourself by practicing self-care and considering your wellbeing.
Summertime can be an exceptionally busy period as naturally we pack in so much activity, juggle childcare and balance work life and home life. Often working life can be overwhelming as we navigate holidays, childcare, covering extra shifts in work, sending our own needs to the backroom.
As a therapist I find end of August to be a common time for people to struggle with burn out or emotional overwhelm and by September we are craving routine and structure.
Read more: Counsellor's top tips to nurture and maintain positive mental health
Symptoms of burn out include fatigue, lack of motivation, decision fatigue and emotional overwhelm to name but a few.
Should you feel these symptoms begin to surface, it is necessary to step in with self-care to avoid potential burn out.
What is self-care and why is it so important to manage stress?
In the current world we live in stress comes with everyday life. We have all been widely educated on the impact of stress as a result of our busy lives. There are many resources available to educate us on stress relief and ways to combat stress, however, have we been educated enough on the importance of self-care to balance or prevent stress? Stress can have a negative impact on our body and wellness.
Implementing regular self-care into our weekly routine can prevent stress. If we make regular time to care for ourselves, we are less likely to become overwhelmed by situations when we are not depleted emotionally or physically. Therefore I believe that practicing regular self-care can enable us to handle what comes our way. Basically, when we feel relaxed we are more resilient to face tough circumstances.
Self-care can stimulate a relaxation response within the body and this in turn can prevent a stress response. Here are a few of my own personal regular methods of self-care and why I find them beneficial.
Cold Water Immersion - One of the many benefits of cold water swimming is that it induces an endorphin high. Endorphins are what the brain produces to make us feel good. Who can say no to a few extra endorphins?
Nature Walks – With a busy schedule, it can be sometimes difficult to follow a timetable for exercise or schedule in the gym. Nature has no timetable, it is available any time I need it.
Holistic Therapy – A monthly holistic treatment such as reiki or reflexology. Although reiki and reflexology are therapies that are practiced in a completely different way, they are both energy therapies, working with both mind and body. Energy therapy can bring a sense of rebalance back into the body.
Infrared Sauna – Research shows that long term stress can cause inflammation levels which is linked to many health issues. Relaxing in an infrared sauna can decrease stress as well as reducing inflammation. The use of infrared is rapidly rising for holistic health and wellness.
Meditation – Regular meditation can bring a sense of calmness within. Taking a few minutes each day to settle your mind and soften your body can relieve anxiety. Mediation is simple, accessible and inexpensive.
Be sure to schedule some time for self-care this September.
READ NEXT:
- NI counsellor's top tips on managing and reducing stress
- NI counsellor on how support your mental health this spring
- Tips on opening up on mental health and reducing the stigma
- Time to Talk Day: Tips on opening up on mental health and reducing the stigma
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
