National Self-Care Awareness Day, July 24
Self-care should be a daily practice.
The word “practice” is used intentionally in this context.
Daily practice of self-care is integral to both mental and physical health. It is a pause button to take a time out for reflection. Life moves fast, self-care is an intentional act to take the time to care for yourself.
Self-care is not selfish; it’s about survival.
For victims of trauma, it can be a lifeline during your healing journey. This practice should be done daily. It is completely unique as what works for someone else may not work for you. Our suggestion is to try different techniques to see if they fit. After all, you wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on.
Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:
Exercise. Thirty minutes of a chosen activity (such as walking) can help boost your mood.
Water. Stay hydrated. Watch out for caffeine. It can cause dehydration.
Healthy, regular meals. A balanced diet will improve your energy and focus.
Sleep! Stick to a schedule. Turn off your devices when you go to bed. Limit exposure to your devices before bedtime as the blue light can contribute to insomnia.
Relaxation. Try to find an activity that relaxes you. There are apps that may be able to assist with this. Meditation and breathing exercises may help. The trick here is to schedule regular times to engage in these exercises and other healthy activities such as journaling.
Make yourself a priority.
The daily practice of self-care is a unique but vital component of healing. It may take some time to find what works best for you. Self-care is another tool in your toolbox and will kickstart your healing journey.
If you, or anyone you know, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, please call HAVEN on our 24/7 crisis line at (209) 577-5980 or our business line at (209) 524-4331.