Self-care isn’t just another task on your to-do list; it’s an excellent way to treat yourself! By making choices that improve your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being, you’re confidently preparing yourself to handle life’s ups and downs. Taking time for yourself opens the door to happiness and helps you fully enjoy those moments life presents.
“Self-care is self-love, when you feel like giving up, when you feel like giving in, self-care/love is the answer to keep on believing in yourself, to keep on moving, to keep pushing forward. Love yourself through it!” Mary Correa, Certified Peer Counselor
As we celebrate #InternationalDayOfHappiness, let’s explore some fun and simple tips to bring more joy to your everyday life!
Create Your Happy Playlist
Music can lift your spirits! Make a playlist of songs that make you feel good or inspired. Whether you love catchy pop tunes, calming classical music, or classic hits, having your own soundtrack can boost your day.
“Start your day with a fun dance party! Create a lively playlist with your favorite upbeat songs. Make your space feel like a dance floor by dimming the lights and adding some disco balls or string lights. Invite family or friends to join in, or dance by yourself. This will lift your mood and energize you for the day. It’s also a great way to add some joyful movement to your morning routine!” Lisa Hagreen, Organizational Development Consultant
Set Aside Time for Mindfulness
With how busy life can be, taking a break is essential. Spend just 5-10 minutes each day relaxing and recharging. This could be through deep breathing, a short meditation, or enjoying fresh air outside. This small daily habit can help reduce stress and clear your mind, allowing for more positivity.
“Life can be stressful at times, and we can become focused on all the things we have to do. Mindfulness, the process of connecting to the present moment, can be a helpful tool in providing some relief. Taking a few minutes to do deep breathing, taking a walk outside to connect with nature, or other brief mindfulness practices can assist with managing stress. Building a daily routine for mindfulness can assist with clarity of mind, lower stress levels and allows for greater positivity.” Tony Paul, Residential and Interim Outpatient Mental Health Supervisor
Discover New Books, Podcasts, or Movies
Trying new things is a fantastic way to grow! Challenge yourself to explore books, podcasts, or movies that interest you. Whether you dive into a captivating book, listen to an engaging podcast, or finally watch that film everyone talks about, satisfying your curiosity can make your daily routine more exciting.
“Listening to podcasts is a great way for us to relate to subjects from different perspectives while challenging our own pre-existing viewpoints from the safety of our own solitude. My personal favorite, Armchair Expert, brings together a dizzying array of authors, scientists, and celebrities to discuss their respective experiences and professions within a format that is both approachable and disarming. Each episode manages to teach me something while restoring a little bit of my faith in humanity along the way.” Clay See, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Practice Gratitude, Even During Tough Times
Feeling grateful can change your perspective, especially when things get complicated. Try to notice and appreciate the small victories in your life. Focusing on the positives can help you bounce back and maintain a hopeful outlook, no matter the challenge.
“Gratitude is a fundamental part of recovery. Learning to be appreciative of the “small” things in life has been a fundamental part of my journey. According to research, gratitude and anxiety cannot exist in the brain at the same time.* Even since completing Triumph’s PPW program, I have written in different journals what I am grateful for. My journey started 9/29/16 which means I can tell you the day that I met my husband, the day we closed for our family home, and most importantly, it reminds me of where I have been and what I hope to accomplish. Keeping an attitude of gratitude provides me with the ability to maintain compassion and empathy during these difficult and unknown times.” Kristin Anglin, Substance Use Disorder Professional
Use Daily Affirmations
How you talk to yourself is essential. Each morning or night, take a moment to recognize your strengths and dreams. Celebrating your achievements and visualizing your goals boosts your self-love and confidence.
“Affirmations are the building blocks of our ongoing Recovery. Many of us, when we stop abusing substances and/or cease negative social patterns in our lives, are essentially clueless as to what “normal” or “pro-social” really is.** If we were computers, we were programmed for a whole collection of anti-social mindsets and reactions.*** When we achieve sobriety, we still carry a ton of our negative attitudes and habits, so how do you develop positive and progressive attitudes? You determine what your aughts are and go to work on them. One at a time, piece by piece…and as you “Become” more of the person you hoped to be, your outlook and character improve…. You are what you do.” If you’re doing the best that you can, even if you’re failing at this point, you’ll know it, and it will impact your self-image and character.” Charlie Rodrigues, Substance Use Disorder Professional
Make Exercise A Priority
Embrace the power of daily exercise to transform your life, uplift your mood, and conquer stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular exercise can benefit you physically and mentally by releasing endorphins, or the “feel-good hormones.”
“By providing opportunities for our clients to engage in exercise through usage of gym equipment, it can help improve not only their physical appearance and endurance but also aid in their mental health as they work through their past traumas.” Angel Keller, Sr. Director of Operations
Taking care of yourself is a colorful and ongoing journey! You are creating the foundation for a joyful and fulfilling life by prioritizing your mental, physical, and emotional health. Keep these tips in mind as you enjoy your journey. Self-care isn’t just a luxury but is essential for a happy and balanced life. Make the most of every moment!
*Source: https://www.noomii.com/articles/13710-gratitude-and-anxiety-cannot-coexist
Peer Reviewed Sources:
https://www.ojs.jdss.org.pk/journal/article/view/1243
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272735810000450
**The Laundry List – ACOA
***ACOA