Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, affecting most of us to different degrees. While anxiety is often a natural response to stress, too much anxiety can negatively impact our quality of life. Turns out self-care and anxiety are good partners. A little self-care can go a long way when it comes to keeping anxiety in check.
The concept of self-care covers a wide range of activities and practices that tend to place a greater priority on our level of physical, emotional, and psychological health. Self-care is the intentional act of taking time to look out for oneself, nurturing the mind and body, and engaging in activities that recharge our emotional battery.
Resilience
While it may not come to mind first, self-care works behind the scenes to help us build up resilience. Daily life can be chaotic and our self-care routines help to provide a buffer against the stress that the day brings. Activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga give us the opportunity to relax and to better manage anxious thoughts and feelings. Such opportunities to break the cycle during the day are important to keep overall levels of anxiety in check.
Self-Awareness
When we have dedicated time for relaxation and reflection, we see ourselves and life a bit differently. Self-care routines can foster this type of self-awareness. When we quiet our minds, we’re better able to identify triggers and patterns associated with our anxieties. Some find the practice of journaling to be a simple way to track emotions, identify recurring issues, and capture positive steps we’d like to work into the day’s routine. Others choose to speak with loved ones or a therapist to help them better understand themselves.
Self-Esteem
Self-care can also work to improve our self-esteem and self-worth. When we are working to improve ourselves, we tend to feel better about ourselves. Plus, engaging in activities that provide joy gets those positive chemicals flowing. Feeling better about ourselves, along with an improvement in our daily level of joy, help to counteract the negative self-perception issues often associated with anxiety.
Healthy Lifestyle
Self-care activities tend to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Eating better, exercising, and proper sleep are fundamental components of self-care. And together, are a powerful ally when it comes to regulating our mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Serenity Solutions is one of Philadelphia’s most trusted therapy groups when it comes to treating anxiety. Give us a call today so we can talk about how we might be able to help. The therapists at Serenity Solutions would love nothing more than for you to start feeling better about yourself and your life. The first step is always just picking up the phone! Call us at 267-317-8817 or click here to schedule your free consultation and we’ll call you. We look forward to talking to you.
Serenity Solutions provides compassionate psychotherapy to individuals and groups. Specialties include therapy for anxiety, stress management, anger management, and addictions. We are located in Philadelphia and are able to help clients all across Pennsylvania and New Jersey via online therapy sessions.