Prioritising Self-Care: A Guide for World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, observed every year on October 10th, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for better mental health care across the globe. It was first celebrated in 1992 and has since become a key platform for discussing mental health openly, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek support when needed.
A crucial part of mental health is self-care. With the demands of daily life and the uncertainty of everything that’s going on in the world right now, we can easily get caught up in putting others’ needs above our own. Sometimes, we may even feel that self-care is self-indulgent or unnecessary. However, prioritising self-care is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
WHAT IS SELF-CARE?
Everyone seems to be throwing around terms like self-care nowadays, but what does it really mean? Simply put, self-care is a conscious act we take to promote our mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s about listening to what we need, allowing ourselves the space and time to recharge, and recognising that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it's a necessity.
Benefits of Self-Care
We live in a world that demands a lot from us, and if we’ve experienced trauma or ongoing stress, this pressure can leave us feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. When we don't look after ourselves, it becomes harder to manage the daily stressors that come our way. Good self-care helps us feel more grounded, emotionally balanced, and better equipped to handle life's challenges.
Different Types of Self-Care
Self-care takes many forms, depending on your needs. Here are several categories of self-care with practical suggestions for each:
Physical Self-Care
Taking care of your body is crucial for your overall well-being:
Join a workout class, exercise, or engage in gentle movement
Take a daily walk with a loved one or your pet
Keep up with regular health check-ups (doctor, dentist)
Spend time in nature
Set a healthy sleep routine and stick to it
Maintain a balanced diet
Enjoy a warm bath or a refreshing swim
Psychological Self-Care
Mental stimulation and personal growth are key aspects of psychological self-care:
Listen to an inspiring podcast or playlist
Read a thought-provoking book, and perhaps consider joining a book club
Engage in meaningful conversations about topics you want to explore
Visit museums or historical sites for enrichment
Emotional Self-Care
Tending to your emotional health can help you stay resilient:
Keep a journal to express your feelings
Practice daily affirmations or gratitude exercises
Use a gratitude app or create a “hope box” filled with things that bring you joy
Take time away from social media
Develop supportive friendships
Consider talking through your emotions with a therapist
Social and Recreational Self-Care
Connecting with others and having fun are essential for balanced living:
Watch a favorite movie or TV show
Create a shared playlist with friends
Explore hobbies like painting, photography, or baking
Plan a fun weekend with loved ones or join a local MeetUp group
Set healthy boundaries in relationships
Professional Self-Care
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance supports long-term well-being:
Set clear office hours and stick to them
Make a manageable daily agenda
Say "no" to extra projects if you’re feeling overwhelmed
Celebrate your small accomplishments
Environmental Self-Care
Your surroundings can impact your mental health:
Tidy up your home regularly to create a peaceful environment
Organise digital files, emails, and notes to reduce clutter
Prioritise mindful meals by turning off distractions and creating a peaceful setting
Make your bed every morning as a positive start to the day
Spiritual Self-Care
Nourishing your spiritual side can provide a deeper sense of meaning:
Practice meditation or mindfulness
Join a religious or spiritual community
Attend an outdoor yoga class
Financial Self-Care
Managing your finances wisely is a form of self-care that reduces stress:
Set aside money for savings each month
Use an app to track your spending and budget
Set realistic financial goals for short and long-term planning
It is important to note that self-care is rooted in Black history and that it started off a radical act of survival and political defiance, especially for Black women who were living with the compounded effects of racialised trauma and patriarchy. As such, self-care originated as a way to sustain mental health in the face of oppression. For marginalised communities, self-care might involve nurturing communal ties, addressing racial trauma, and reclaiming identity. Activities like going to church or spending time with family often serve as meaningful acts of resistance against systemic inequalities, allowing space for healing and empowerment.
Self-Care and Therapy
One of the most valuable investments you can make in your self-care is considering therapy. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your mental health, gain insights into your emotional patterns, and receive support in incorporating self-care into your daily life. If self-compassion and self-advocacy are areas you struggle with, therapy can offer the guidance needed to make meaningful changes.
If you need some support around your well-being and mental health, feel free to reach out and begin your journey towards a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Conclusion
Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It needs to be tailored to your unique needs, likes and what’s happening in your life at any given moment. The key is to integrate self-care practices into your daily routine rather than waiting until you’ve reached a breaking point. By taking steps to care for yourself consistently, you can face life's challenges with greater strength and resilience.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want to enhance your self-care routine, World Mental Health Day is a reminder to pause, reflect, and make time for yourself. Self-care is essential, not selfish—and you deserve it.
