Therapists Share Their Favorite Meaningful Self-Care Tips

Self-care has many different definitions. It simply depends on who you ask. But what usually doesn’t differ is that self-care is about nourishing ourselves—and it’s absolutely vital. As psychotherapist Emily Griffiths, LPC, said, “The opposite of self-care is self-neglect.” And “neglecting our emotional and physical health leads to increased anxiety, depression, and physical illness.” She noted that self-care is about knowing our limits and not depleting our nervous system. “When we lose sight of our self-care practices, we can experience burn-out,” which “sets ourselves up for getting sick, overwhelmed, and exhausted.” Psychologist Ryan Howes, Ph.D, defines self-care as “the surprisingly difficult—for many of us—process of stepping aside from the busyness of life, evaluating how we’re doing emotionally, physically, and mentally, and then taking steps to meet any unmet needs.” Psychotherapist Ashley Thorn, LMFT, defines self-care as doing “healthy things, in any aspect of your life, that ‘fill your cup.’” These are things that make you feel focused, calm, happy and true to yourself, she said. Similarly, Kirsten Brunner, MA, LPC, a perinatal mental health and relationship expert, views self-care as “any activity or choice that allows a person to replenish, rejuvenate or reserve energy.” It is about prioritizing our needs so we can be “fully present when caring for or connecting with others.” Psychotherapist Ariella Cook-Shonkoff...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Creativity General Habits Happiness Health-related Mental Health and Wellness Relationships Self-Help Stress Personal Growth Self Care self-compassion Source Type: blogs