Three Ways to Practice Self-Care

One of the most overlooked things by people today is self-care. Sometimes, people get so caught up in their life they forget to take time for themselves. One aspect of self-care is keeping tabs on your mental health. Even small acts of self-care can affect your mental health positively. Finding a form of self-care that works for you and fits your lifestyle can be challenging. In this article, I am going to explain three different kinds of self-care that work for many and that you should definitely try out!

#1 Getting a healthy amount of sleep every night

    When you do not get enough sleep, it can negatively affect your mental health. It can cause moodiness and can cause stress to your relationships. It can also cause you to have a lower attention span. However, getting enough sleep at night can reduce anxiety and health risks. If you are struggling to get enough sleep at night, try making a schedule with a set time to go to sleep and a set time to wake up. Getting a good amount of sleep can improve your mental health and your quality of life.

#2 Making time for down-time

    It can be very easy to get caught up in your life and forget about taking time to care for yourself. With school and/or a job, it can be hard to find time to really focus on yourself. It is very important to find time to rest or do things that you would enjoy. For example, take thirty minutes out of your day to read a book or sit outside in the sun. It does not have to be for an extended amount of time. Taking 15 minutes a day to shut everything off and just close your eyes and relax can bring many positive benefits for your mental health.

#3 Finding a hobby that you enjoy

    There are many hobbies that do not take a lot of time to participate in and can affect your health positively. Some people like to knit; others may read or exercise. Whatever your hobby may be, find time to participate in it. Doing something you love can help ease your mind and help you relax, which your body definitely needs.

    There are many other kinds of self-care that are not listed in this article. If none of these peak your interest, research different kinds. Your mental and physical health should not be overlooked, and self-care can be a great way to improve both!

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Resources :

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Caring for your mental health. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health#part_8445

University Health Service. Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health | University Health Service. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://uhs.umich.edu/tenthings

Miles, M. (2022, May 20). Cracking the code on how to take care of your mental health. BetterUp. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-take-care-of-mental-health?hs_amp=true

Team, B. and S. (2022, March 25). Here's what happens when you don't get enough sleep (and how much you really need a night). What Happens When You Don't Get Enough Sleep? – Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-dont-get-enough-sleep/amp/

Kooiman-Cox, L. (2022, February 14). 8 types of self-care. Willowstone Family Services. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.willowstone.org/news/8-types-of-self-care

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Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

Grieving the Loss of a Pet

We brought Chester home when he was only 6 weeks old. He was such a tiny thing. When I think back on that time of my new marriage and Chester being our first “child” I am filled with warmth and love. I remember thinking, at the time, the 10-15 years of a life of a pet is such a very long time. Only it isn’t…

This year was Chester’s 12th year with us. While every time I took notice to see him moving slower and his fur graying faster, losing him still seemed like someday away. Last month we said goodbye to Chester. As for many others as well, losing a loved one during the holiday season is never easy. It was a weird thing to notice his empty bed or to no longer see him gazing at the Christmas tree with his brother. More than ever, sounds of door bells ringing on the television was where I noticed his absence the most. He would always grumble and growl as if it were our own doorbell, something that always made me chuckle.

I was very gracious to have received a number of calls from my closest friends and family checking on me during that difficult time. A post on my Facebook must have had over 100 notifications from distant friends and family expressing their condolences. And I received a very special delivery of beautiful Christmas flowers from a fellow Dog Mom who no doubt understands.

However, I want to recognize for many, the loss of a pet is an unusual thing. Losing a pet sometimes goes unnoticed and unmentioned by the people in their own lives. Had it been a human family member, you are sure to receive flower arrangements, baked goods and phone calls from friends checking in on you. However, not everyone will have the pleasure of knowing and understanding the love of a dog or pet the way that you may have.

Here are some things I have taken comfort in since my own Chester’s passing and I hope that you do, too.

A Comfortable Life - We made sure Chester had the very best life. I take comfort in knowing that he had a warm home, all the toys he could want, daily snacks, a food bowl that was filled everyday, comfortable bed and all the snuggles we could give him. While he was just in my life a short 12 years, he spent his whole life knowing he was loved.

Dying with Dignity - They told me that I would know when the time was right. In the days leading up until Chester’s last, I questioned often if it was the right time. I anguished over knowing whether or not to give him more time to get better or if I would be giving up on him too soon? However, when the moment came, I knew in that instant that it definitely was time. We stayed with Chester, holding him until his very last breath. I take comfort in knowing that we made the right decision for him and in knowing that I was there with him until the end.

Being Sad is Okay - There is absolutely nothing wrong with being sad and grieving your pet. The love I gave Chester was true and honest. I know that he loved me, too. Even if others do not understand your grief over the loss of a pet, just know there are many others out there that do. Being sad another is gone from your life means that you cared deeply for them while they were here, no matter what form that may be.

I want to leave you with a poem that I found. I have no idea who wrote the poem, but it gave me great comfort and I hope it does you, too.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close — we two — these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

— Unknown

Other helpful resources:

• 7 Self-Care Essentials While Grieving the Loss of a Pet

• Grieving the Loss of a Pet

• Grieving a Pet: How to Cope With the Loss of a Dog