Mental illness is being talked about a lot more in this day in age. People have also been putting a lot more emphasis on self-care and the importance of putting yourself first. But for a lot of people, they don't know exactly what to do to take care of themselves, and they end up burning themselves out. So, for those of you who would like to start taking better care of yourselves, here are ten things you can do to put yourself first.
1. Eat healthily and mindfully.
When people are in a rush, they tend to not think about what they're eating or taking time to eat. This can make a negative impact on one's mental health in the long run. When you eat healthily and make time to eat as well, you and your body will feel a lot better in the long run.
2. Keep a journal of your accomplishments.
While a to-do list keeps us organized, it's also important to recognize the things we have done. Even if it's a small task, like doing your laundry or cleaning your room, recording your accomplishments and reading them can make you feel good about yourself.
3. Express gratitude.
Just tell all of your friends, family members, and even that one person in your class that you don't talk to that much "thank you." They will also feel grateful that you took time out of your day to just say two simple words to them.
4. Take some time to breathe.
Did that GIF make you feel more relaxed? If you take some time out of your day to just breathe, it will make you feel more relaxed and more inclined to get more things done.
5. Dance!
Whether you think you can dance or you don't, dancing like there's nobody watching or with a couple close friends can make anyone feel happy!
6. Keep in touch with your inner child.
What was something you enjoyed doing when you were a child? Maybe if you tried doing it again, you would notice that it still makes you feel happy. There's nothing weird about that.
7. Bundle up and nap.
Having a nap can give you some time to recharge, which can help you get more things done. Nobody wants to be completely burned out.
8. Read a good book.
Is there a book that you are dying to read but didn't get the time to read it? Making time to read that book could be the perfect chance for you to take care of yourself.
9. Unplug the electronics.
Using electronic devices and staying on social media too much can make a negative impact on one's mental health, so taking some time to get away from the electronics can give you a great boost.
10. Goof around for a bit.
Much like #5 and 6, being silly a little bit can give you an adrenaline boost and make you feel a lot better in the long run.
