Four Unconventional Ways To Practice Self-Care

When we think about practicing self-care, the first thing that comes to mind may be activities like exercise, meditation, and preparing healthy meals. While these can all be effective ways to boost our mental and physical health, they aren’t necessarily easy for everyone. Although the idea is generally to provide pleasant and enjoyable strategies to help us cope with stress, for some people, practicing self-care may seem like adding more obligations to the ones they already have. For instance, someone experiencing the difficult symptoms of depression and anxiety may have a difficult time getting out of bed, much less leaving the house to take a walk. Less common self-care strategies, such as setting boundaries, moderating your social media presence, creating something, and joining a support group, can be beneficial. A licensed therapist can help you formulate an effective self-care plan online or in person.

1. Set boundaries for toxic people or situations

Ideally, every relationship we have would contribute to our mental wellness and enhance our sense of well-being. But this isn’t always everyone’s experience, and chances are, you may have a relationship or two that doesn't serve your well-being. These people may invalidate your feelings, make you feel bad about yourself, or perhaps even disrespect your belief system. 

Regardless of the circumstances, you might take a moment to reevaluate the list of people you let into your life. Sometimes, it can be necessary to distance ourselves from toxic people for the sake of our mental health and self-care. While we usually can’t control how others behave, in many circumstances, we do have control over whom we spend time with. 

During this process, you should also take a moment and consider the positive people and influences you want in your life. Surrounding yourself with those individuals can be a form of self-care. 

2. Moderate your social media presence

Social media can have its advantages. We may connect with friends and family, learn about things that interest us, and more. However, spending too much time online browsing indiscriminately can be unhealthy. The posts you see daily can prompt you to compare yourself to others, despite the often-false representation of “perfection” that people so often display on social media platforms. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy that can have a profound effect on your mental health. 

While many people spend a lot of careful time and effort filtering their photos to look their best, people on social media don’t always take the same care when filtering their thoughts and opinions. Sometimes, the virtual interactions we have aren’t positive contributions to our well-being. 

Curbing our online habits can be a good way to practice self-care. Try to limit your time on social media platforms or forums that don’t contribute positively to your mental health. Be mindful of how you interpret the information you receive. Anything or anyone that makes you feel bad about yourself should probably go. Some people choose to eliminate their social media presence altogether.  

3. Build or create something

Engaging in a creative activity can be a proven way to positively contribute to mental health. This could be as simple as coloring in a coloring book or as involved as building a piece of furniture. Whatever inspires your creative spirit may be worth a try. 

This type of self-care doesn’t have to cost money, either. If you’re not ready to invest in a new creative endeavor, you might try your hand at writing poetry or cell phone photography. Learn about the birds native to your area and begin documenting the ones you observe outside your window. Cultivate a garden or practice singing. 

4. Join a support group online or in your community

Joining a support group can be an excellent way to practice self-care. It may not be easy for everyone; it often takes bravery to reach out for help. But when we commune with a community of like-minded people looking for self-improvement strategies, we may gain practical knowledge, social benefits, and the satisfaction of communicating with others who understand our challenges. 

There are usually support groups for a wide variety of concerns and interests, from anxiety and depression chat rooms to forums for people who want to make healthier everyday choices. A quick online search can provide you with information regarding how to join an in-person group in your community or meet up online from the comfort of your home.

When self-care seems overwhelming

The strong relationship between physical and mental self-care and overall health may necessitate giving this practice the attention it deserves. Taking responsibility for your own well-being may seem daunting for some, but by starting small and getting support from a professional, you can start on the road to excellent self-care. 

When you choose to work on your mental health, you’re generally choosing to put your well-being at the forefront of your priorities. But many people need support when it comes to cultivating good mental health. It can be difficult to know where to begin and how to navigate the process. 

Therefore, many people who prioritize their mental health choose to speak to a therapist on a regular basis. A mental health professional can help you uncover the source of your challenges, understand your relationship with them, and create a strategy to cope with the things you can’t release completely. 

Benefits of online therapy

With the rise in popularity of online therapy, it’s generally easier than ever to get help. Platforms like BetterHelp are often specifically designed to match individuals with mental health professionals who have experience helping people create a plan to care for their mental health. You can speak to a therapist online on your schedule from anywhere with an internet connection.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Although not much research currently exists that is specifically focused on the efficacy of online therapy for creating a self-care plan, a growing body of evidence generally suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. It can treat a wide variety of mental health disorders and concerns.