Professional Counseling Services In Daily Life

Although life counseling services or professional counseling services in an office setting can provide unique benefits you might not be able to find online, telehealth services can also help you achieve growth, deal with feelings, and create a safe space to understand and move forward in life. Counselors can teach lifestyle changes and skills for daily life to promote mental and physical health. Below are some strategies inspired by research on current mental healthcare practices. 

Therapy-inspired strategies for self-care 

In addition, you may not have to attend therapy to find relief from daily challenges. Several preventative steps toward self-care can be utilized to increase happy, satisfactory moments throughout your days. Below are a few techniques for increasing your well-being.  

Accept that humans can make mistakes 

Some individuals might react with self-blame when challenges occur or feel that they “should” react differently. However, many people can make mistakes and experience negative emotions. Try to do your best and make decisions that align with your values. Try to counter self-criticism with optimism or facts. If you accomplish a goal, reward yourself with praise and self-compassion. 

Treat others how you want to be treated 

Be kind to others. Try to get involved with community events or help a stranger with their groceries. Offering others kindness may make you feel kind toward yourself. In addition, studies show that social connection can increase mental and physical health, so being in the company of others can have advantages. 

Find methods to relax 

Stress can be healthy or unhealthy, depending on the circumstances. An example of healthy stress could be experiencing fear about an upcoming job interview, waiting for your ultrasound appointment for a new child, or preparing to go on a first date. 

On the contrary, unhealthy stress could include worrying over an ex-partner, experiencing an adverse event, or pressuring yourself in perfectionistic ways. Using relaxation techniques may help you address these forms of stress by allowing you to control your nervous system. A few ways you can relax include: 

• Taking slow and deep breaths
• Listening to soothing sounds or music
• Watching a movie
• Practicing meditation or yoga
• Going for a walk
• Going on an outing with a friend 
• Exercising to increase endorphins in your brain 

Have fun and enjoy yourself 

Often, individuals might approach life with a serious or structured approach. When schedules get busy, alone time or quality time with cherished friends might be put on the back burner. In the same way that you might schedule time for mandatory daily tasks, try to schedule time for yourself to unwind and enjoy yourself or spend time with those who make you happy. 

Participate in a hobby 

Consider getting involved in a past hobby or finding a new hobby. You could learn a new skill like a language or an instrument or take on a project like writing a book. Working on an activity that you enjoy may boost your self-confidence and improve your mood. You might also meet new people, enhance your occupational skillset, or prepare for a new job.

Increase physical activity 

There are various mental health benefits that you can gain from exercising regularly. You might feel more energized, uplifted, energetic, focused, calm, rested, and physically healthy. In addition, physical activity can be a hobby to bring fun and joy to your life. 

Eat healthily 

Studies show that eating healthy meals can improve mental and physical health. Eat well-balanced, proportioned, and regular meals, including leafy greens, fruit, carbohydrates, and healthy proteins like fish. In addition, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 

Practice sleep hygiene  

Adults need around seven hours of sleep or less each night. Teens need eight to ten hours of sleep, and children may need up to 12 hours. Practice sleep hygiene by reducing your electronics usage before bed, ensuring your bed is comfortable, and sleeping in the dark. If you struggle to sleep, you can also reach out to a sleep doctor for further guidance. 

Practice acceptance 

Worrying about situations and problems outside of your control may cause further stress. One therapeutic form of acceptance is radical acceptance, which comes from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Radical acceptance involves identifying situations you resist and accepting them fully, allowing yourself to mindfully focus on your intent and let thoughts pass without judgment.  

The role and benefits of counseling

Although caring for your mental health at home can be beneficial, many people find that talking to a licensed therapist offers unique insight they didn’t find during their pursuit of self-care. You do not have to have a mental illness or severe symptoms to reach out to a therapist. You can also meet with therapists to discuss relationships, stress, coping skills, and the management of emotions.

Talking to a qualified therapist allows you an alternative option to speaking to friends or family about your concerns, the opportunity for a nonjudgmental listening ear to provide you a sense of clarity and guidance to improve your everyday life and help you meet realistic goals in your personal or professional life.

During the first therapy session, you and your counselor can collaborate to identify areas of treatment focus, such as processing grief, managing chronic stress, or healing after trauma. After discussing these areas, your therapist can help you develop a treatment plan unique to your needs. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Counseling options

There are various types of counseling available. If you’re avoiding in-person therapy due to various issues, such as struggling to leave home, or financial concerns, you may benefit from online therapy. Internet-based interventions often offer a unique and immediate approach to mental healthcare. You can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with a licensed therapist and get matched with a provider. This process can take a few hours or a few days, depending on therapist availability.

In addition, studies show that online therapy can be more effective and cost-friendly than in-person therapy for various mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) You can contact a provider through a platform like BetterHelp for further guidance and the chance to connect with a therapist personally matched to your preferences for therapy. Counseling helps individuals learn unique coping mechanisms for self-care to use at home and throughout life.