citizensmemorial.com 7 Self-care strategies for mental and emotional wellness Self-care is all over social media, but the concept is often misunderstood. You may think it means taking luxurious bubble baths or getting pampered at the spa. Sure, these can be part of your self-care routine. But at its core, self-care—the regular steps you take to nurture your mental and emotional health—is so much more than that. Regular self-care helps you boost your mental and emotional well-being. You can tailor your routine to meet your needs, preferences and time constraints while still reaping the benefits. Not sure where to start? These strategies can help. Try a few—or more. Get quality sleep. Try for seven or more hours each night. Say “ahhh.” Deep breathing exercises or yoga can help you unwind. Eat mood-boosting foods. Make sure your diet includes things like nuts; dark, leafy greens; beans; fresh fruits and vegetables; and fatty fish. Exercise daily. Aim for 30 minutes. Journal. Write down your emotions without judging them. Spend time with your pet. Their unconditional love can raise the feel-good chemicals in your brain. Get back to nature. It’s a tried-and-true way to feel better. See a friend. Face-to-face contact helps you feel less alone. Check in with yourself. Pause, take a deep breath and become aware of all your feelings, emotions and physical senses. Give therapy a try. It can help you learn to cope with and accept your emotions and heal from painful experiences. Sources: American Psychological Association; HelpGuide; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Expert in psychiatric disorders Psychiatrist Boguslaw Gluszak, M.D., specializes in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, behavioral issues, memory deficits, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depression, anger issues and geriatric wellness. He sees patients 6 and older. To make an appointment, call Southside Medical Center at 417-326-7814. If your mental health is at an all-time low and you’re in crisis, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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