#blogtober20 – Day 10

Today, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. I think this is the most exquisite topic for my #blogtober20 posts to date. It is so important that we, as a society, take care of each other and prioritize our mental health. Without positive mental health, our physical health begins to go downhill along with our social life and what have you. There are so many aspects of our lives that are contingent upon great mental health and without time and care when it comes to mental health, it can have even fatal side effects.

One of the activities we can do for our mental health is self care. Now, I’m not talking about the once in a blue moon bubble bath with a bath bomb or lighting scented candles. I’m talking about active self care, which can be defined as being an active participant in your own happiness and well being. Although the things I listed above can attribute to your happiness and self care, it’s not the only thing there is to do to take care of yourself.

Self care can mean a multitude of things such as participating in your favorite hobby or making time out of your busy schedule to read scripture or to make yourself a nutritious meal because it’s better for your body than fast food. Or if you’re depressed and lack the ability to get out of bed, if you make your bed or get up to brush your teeth, that’s self care. It means different things to different people at different stages in your life and to suit mental health needs.

Ya’ll know that I love to make lists and what better way to give some of you some self care ideas than to make a list? So without further ado, let’s make a Self Care List:

Beauty and Personal Self Care

• Bubble bath
• Paint your finger and toenails
• Get your nails professionally done
• Put on makeup
• Shave and personal grooming / tweezing / waxing
• Take a long, hot or cold shower
• Highlight or dye your hair
• Cut and/or style your hair

Hobby Self Care

• Painting, drawing, various other art forms, etc.
• Singing, playing musical instruments
• Blogging/vlogging
• Reading/writing
• Playing video games
• Cooking/baking
• Shooting guns
• Working out
• Outdoor activities, fishing, boating, off roading, camping, etc
• Trying new foods and restaurants

Self Care When You’re Depressed

• Getting out of bed
• Making your bed
• Getting dressed
• Taking a shower
• Brushing your teeth or hair
• Making food for yourself
• Eating when you have no desire to
• Stopping eating when you have had enough to eat
• Not partaking in risky or toxic behaviors

These are just a few ideas to get you started on what self care may look like for you. I hope everyone enjoyed their day of relaxing and focusing on your mental health.

Much love,

Dani