7 Ways to Practise Self-Care during Stressful Moments

Sharon Moore March 17, 2014

We all should look after our well-being the way we look after the well-being of our kids, friends, partner and loved ones. Self-care is important because it makes us more resilient and happy individuals who are more than capable of showing love and affection to others. Self-care also helps us fight stress and reduce its impact on our health and well-being.

But how do we practise self-care? How do we ensure that we are taking care of ourselves properly?

Challenge your mind.

Take up a new challenge. Research shows that the more we challenge our mental prowess, the wiser we become. Try a new hobby, drive to a new place, solve some math problems, draw, learn a new skill, or read something you don’t – all these are great ways to take good care of your mental health.

Learn to accept and manage your emotions.

Yes, dealing with emotions can be really challenging especially when you are coping with stress, but the more you need it at times like this. So how do you take care of your emotional health? The first thing you can do is to accept that it is not every day that we feel good. We are all subject to negative emotions. What matters more is how you handle them. Denying negative emotions can give you temporary relief but it could also lead to worse outcomes. When you’re feeling down, accept it. Write them down – it helps you clarify your emotions and understand the real cause of your problems. Cry when you need to. Talk to a friend or see a therapist. Look for healthier outlets such as yoga or meditation, practise gratitude, and be confident that you will be able to get through the tough times.

Take care of your physical health.

Dealing with stress is harder when you are physically unfit. Self-care does not only include your mental and emotional health, but also your physical well-being. Incorporating good habits like yoga, meditation and exercise in your daily life can greatly boost your health. Proper nutrition and quality rest should also be included.

And your spiritual health too.

Knowing your core values – those that really matter to you – is crucial to practising self-care. Some great tips to look after your spiritual health include attending church activities, meditating, praying, writing a journal, spending time with nature, and practising compassion.

Connect with others.

Connecting with others is one way to practise self-care. As social beings, we have this innate need for social connectedness and sense of belongingness. During difficult times, it can greatly help to go out for a lunch date with a friend, join a support group, and spend more quality time with your family. Being part of a social circle reminds us that we are not alone.

Engage in pleasurable activities.

Watch a movie, garden, play with your pets, go somewhere relaxing, get a massage, indulge in an hour-long warm bath, or take yourself out to eat – engaging in pleasurable activities is a great way to take care of yourself when you are feeling stressed. Just make sure that such activity is not harming your mental, emotional and physical health.

Be mindful.

Focus on the present. Focus on what’s around you at the moment – the smells, sights, sounds, touch – this will keep your mind off from worrying. Practising mindfulness has plenty of benefits to your health and well-being, and is a simple yet very powerful self-care strategy.

How do you practise self-care when you are stressed? We’d like to hear your thoughts. Feel free to post a comment below.