International Self-Care Day is held on July 24. Established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation, the purpose of the day is to raise awareness of living a healthy lifestyle by practicing self-care. At Crestview Recovery, we believe that practicing self-care will help our participants–especially those enrolled in dual diagnosis treatment programs–focus on their wellness as they pursue sobriety.
To learn about more ways to celebrate International Self-Care Day and get you or a loved one on the way to improving your mental health, reach out today by calling 866.262.0531.
Celebrate International Self-Care Day
Practicing self-care does not have to be a challenging task. You just need to remain committed to helping yourself feel relaxed to consistently overcome challenges that arise. Here are several ways to help you celebrate International Self Care Day.
Practice Meditation for one Minute
Meditation helps us to relax and remain in the moment. While many meditators complete five, ten, or even thirty-minute sessions, you do not have to — just do it for one minute. Simply breathe in for five seconds. Then, breathe out for another five seconds. Repeat this exercise five times, and then you are done.
Be Intentional
What is the purpose of your day? When you wake up in the morning, set an intention for your day. By being intentional, you set the tone for your day and what you would like to accomplish. It is also affirming and will help you remain positive.
Take a Short Walk
Like meditation, walking helps us remain in the moment. Walking helps us reduce stress and feel happy. In addition, walking can help us deal with anxiety and increase our self-esteem.
Revisit a Hobby
Spend time doing something you love. Whether reading a book, listening to a podcast, scrapbooking, or completing a home improvement project, you should enjoy your hobby.
Practice Saying “No”
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with lots of activities and responsibilities. The remedy: practice saying “no.” For saying “no” to become effective, you will have to practice often and be direct. Also, practice counting to ten before you say “yes.” You will feel relieved and happy.
Take Deep Breaths for Five Minutes
If you can do that one-minute meditation, why not do five minutes? Turn off your phone, turn off your lights, and zone out. Our brains need to relax too. So make sure that you are giving yourself time to relax and reset between all of your responsibilities.
Enjoy your Food
Don’t eat quickly. Relax. Sit down and savor every bit of your food. By not paying attention to television or your food, you can experience your meal.
Go to Sleep
The best thing we can ever do for ourselves is getting enough sleep. When you do not get enough sleep, you are irritable, forgetful, and have low energy. So listen to your body and get a good night’s sleep.
Participate in New Experiences
If you’ve ever wanted to try yoga, go hiking or try a new pottery class, why not do it? It’s important to experience new ideas and concepts in life. You never know what will pique your interest and become a new hobby. If you are struggling with addiction or mental health concerns, Crestview offers the following treatment programs:
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- Drug rehab
- Alcohol rehab
Eat Healthy Food
Ever heard the adage: you are what you eat? It’s true! Our food impacts our mood considerably—stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat beans, nuts, and whole grains. Keep an open mind. Yes, it will not taste as good as fried chicken, but it will treat your body better.
Seek Mental Health Treatment at Crestview Recovery as a Form of Self-Care
International self-care day is just a starting point for improving your mental health. Every day, you should be affirming your purpose and becoming intentional. By exploring new ideas and meditating, you will be opening your mind to new possibilities. But do not forget the power of mental health treatment. Crestview Recovery provides a nurturing mental health treatment program that will support your self-care initiatives. Contact us at 866.262.0531 to discover how we can support your mental health and sobriety.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
