A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Care

Breathing is obviously an important part of life, but did you know that when used correctly as part of your self-care routine, it can also improve your mental health? According to the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, ‘Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body’. And the bonus is that you can use it anywhere, which makes it the greatest weapon within your self-care arsenal.

There are a slew of breathing techniques at your disposal, but one that stands out is called ‘Box Breathing’. Also known as ‘Square Breathing’, the objective of this technique is to relieve stress and anxiety. It’s so well-regarded that it is used by Navy SEALs. The method involves breathing in to the count of four, holding your breath for a count of four, and then exhaling for a count of four. Give it a try the next time you’re surrounded by nervous energy.

When we were younger, having a time out often meant that we’d done something wrong, and had been sent somewhere quiet to reflect on our behavioural choices. Naturally, as we get older, it’s less appropriate for someone else to order us to take time out. And while carving out a quiet minute or two to contemplate our lives isn’t always at the top of our mind, it probably should be! 

Every day we make good and bad choices, but don’t often take a moment to think about why we’ve made them. One of the most important parts of caring for yourself is being more aware, and you can do that by taking what’s called ‘adult time out’. Meditation is a great way to spend this time. Proven to lower stress and anxiety, foster kindness, and improve self-awareness, people all over the world swear by the benefits of meditation. Programs like Headspace can kick-start your meditation journey and help turn it into a regular self-care habit. Before you begin, just remember meditation isn’t something that you can learn overnight. It takes practice. So, don’t be discouraged if the effects aren’t felt immediately.

Having a hobby that you actively participate in can improve your overall wellbeing. Setting time aside to do something that you enjoy is proven to both boost your mood and lower your stress levels. As well as turning your negative stress into positive energy, hobbies can also give you the chance to form healthy social relationships. 

Sometimes the last thing you want to do is get off the couch and get active. While that’s understandable, before you settle right into that couch, it’s time to remember that exercise and self-care go hand-in-hand! Getting active, especially outdoors, comes with countless mental health benefits. 

Have you heard of serotonin and endorphins? They’re both naturally occurring mood stabiliser hormones that increase pleasure and improve happiness levels. When we exercise, these chemicals naturally get released into our bodies, raising our mood and decreasing stress levels. Exercising outside during lockdown also provides a much-needed escape from home, and could allow it to be a more sociable experience if you meet up with a friend.