Introduction
Fear for one’s health and the well-being of loved ones, financial stress, economic instability, and social isolation creates an ideal habitat for triggers that threaten mental health. Psychologists are asked to devote time to physical and psychological states in such a difficult time. Today it is important to remember that health is not just the absence of disease and not just a good physical condition. Stress is one of the leading causes of most diseases, so in today’s world, it is important to be able to take care of oneself and let oneself relax.
Reading Relaxes
Often, to limit the enormous information flow on which modern society rests, abstracting is necessary. Reading is an excellent way to relax the brain and a relatively common and healthy way to relieve stress. It awakens creativity and an intense sense of empathy, making the brain escape reality. Research also shows that reading can improve sleep schedules, helping relax and unwind in preparation for a good night’s rest (Carvalho, 2021). Thanks to reading, one can feel relief and deliverance from pressing worries and problems. Reading is an affordable, stress-relieving activity that can be included in any time slot, even if it is only five minutes long or part of the bedtime routine.
Meditation as a Popular Way of Self Care
Meditation can be another way to feel calm and peaceful and forget about difficulties. Meditation is a healthy form of self-care, and experts say it is a valuable treatment to the fast pace of technology-driven culture. Meditation does more than help calm down and ‘relieve stress,’ though it can do both. Meditation helps one see the contents of mind and heart, understand how one builds the world, and understand the pain one carries with greater clarity, compassion, and acceptance. Thus, meditation can change attitudes toward oneself, others, and the world around you.
Eating Comfort Food Helps Staying Happy
Emotional solid states cause them to turn to comfort foods to feel safe and in control. Comfort food has a nostalgic or sentimental value to a person. For example, the usual food from childhood is associated with comfort, due to which the mental state improves if, for example, it is a difficult day. However, eating comfort food at any time can positively affect a person’s condition. It is also one of the ways to take care of oneself, as it allows to maintain life satisfaction.
Music Therapy
Self-care and music therapy go hand in hand, providing relaxation, reduced anxiety, and increased self-awareness and awareness. The pleasure of pleasant music, and everyone has their own, is associated with areas of the brain responsible for emotions. Music can influence the release of dopamine and oxytocin, which cause satisfaction and joy (Reybrouck & Eerola, 2022). Thus, listening to favorite music can lift spirits and is one way to take care of oneself.
Conclusion
Stress management and self-soothing techniques are critical to surviving in today’s living environment, no matter what it is aimed at. Many practices will help one cope with stress based on taking care of oneself and mental and physical condition. Taking care of mental health looks different for everyone. Some easy ways to unwind daily include reading a book, listening to music, meditating, eating comfort food, and more. There is no right or wrong way to care for mental health as long as the person feels comfortable.
References
Carvalho, L. B. (2021). Optimizing behavior strategies for sleep. Sleep Medicine and Physical Therapy, 335–344. Web.
Reybrouck, M., & Eerola, T. (2022). Musical enjoyment and reward: From hedonic pleasure to eudaimonic listening. Behavioral Sciences, 12(5), 154. Web.