Self-Care: Cornerstone to Building A Healthier Mental Outlook

The following article is provided by Hillsborough County Mindful Mondays partner Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

The concept of self-care sometimes carries a different definition from person to person, but on a fundamental level, practicing self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. What differs for some people is how they choose to do this, based on what makes them feel good and cared for individually. It feels good to have others do things that make us feel comfortable, but in some situations of stress or sadness, it's important for us to feel capable of doing things to care for ourselves as well.

For some, "self-care" may be something as basic as getting enough sleep, or keeping a bottle of water with them at work in order to stay hydrated throughout the day. Simple, little things that keep our physical health taken care of can make a significant, positive impact on our mental health as well.

In addition, self-care does not always have to be some grand action or activity. Sometimes self-care can be as simple as taking a few minutes to practice breathing exercises during times of stress. Sometimes self-care is scheduling 'me' time - times of solitude to reflect on your day and how you are feeling.

What works for one person as a means of self-care may not resonate with another. Finding a personal means of self-care is important in helping you maintain your overall positive mental health.

Learn more about self-care from Crisis Center of Tampa Bay experts, including different self-care ideas.

Mindful Mondays Mental Health Resources
Mindful Mondays promotes different ways you can make your mental health a priority but not take up too much of your busy schedule. From chair yoga virtual classes to tips on how to decompress after a long day, Hillsborough County's Mindful Mondays has various interactive resources for you to access no matter what day or time it is.