Self Care

Slow inhale, filling your lungs.
Deep exhale, empty your breathe.
Focus on your breathing and only notice the ground beneath you.

Does this practice seem silly? Maybe lacking in purpose?  It's actually an excellent daily vitamin towards your mental health. Setting 2 minutes aside to focus on breathing and quieting your mind, 3 times a day, will exercise your prefrontal cortex. It sounds simple and basic but, not as easy to accomplish as you may think. As you begin to practice, you can actually change the size of your prefrontal cortex, just like you can strengthen a muscle.  This is the portion of your brain which helps to regulate thoughts, actions and emotions. Your prefrontal cortex will be more useful during times of stress if exercised well. It can also help you with impulse control when trying to quit or change habits.

If you are plugging into a group, it is recommended to hold one another accountable for practicing self care on a regular basis. Breathe work and journaling are recommended as a baseline.

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Brainstorm and get creative when you set out to make your self care plan. Explore something you have always wanted to learn or try. Know yourself and those things you really enjoy. Try to incorporate something which will also keep you accountable for implementing basic mental health hygiene items mentioned in SEEDS.

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Journal Prompt:

What craft or activity have you always found interesting or, wanted to learn more about?

Journal about moments that bring you joy and help quiet your mind. Be prepared to share with your group about what inspired your self care plan as well as the specific schedule.

 

Remember a small change, committed to for 90 days, will increase your odds of making this a new lifestyle change. Saying your specific plan out loud to others, helps with accountability.