Wellness & Self-Care

It’s no secret: stress levels are way up, and it’s having serious impacts on mental health both in New Hampshire and across the country. In New Hampshire alone, over 220,000 people have a mental health condition, with many going undiagnosed.

Prioritizing your wellbeing requires you to be intentional about your mental health and wellness. Enter: self-care!

Is self-care really for me?

Taking care of our mental health and well-being is for everybody. And it doesn’t necessarily look the way you think it might. What do we mean when we say “self-care”?

At the end of the day, self-care is about making space and time for things that make you feel happy, fulfilled or mentally relaxed. It’s about the small decisions we make every day, and making time for activities that are purely for our own benefit (think: what makes you feel consciously happy or calm? Fill your life with more of that)!

Everyday choices

Self-care includes doing things to take care of yourself—things you’ve heard before—like eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and getting regular exercise. These things directly impact our mood, energy levels, and ability to focus. Building these activities into your routine helps you stick with them, even when it feels hard.

Want some ideas for self-care activities to try? Flip through the following cards to browse by category…

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Relaxing

When it comes to relaxation, reflect on these questions to enhance your self-care routine:

Are you taking time to unwind and de-stress?

Do you engage in activities that bring you peace and tranquility?

How often do you practice deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind?

(Examples include: Taking a warm bath with essential oils, reading a good book in a cozy corner of your home, practicing mindfulness meditation to relax your mind)

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Active

When it comes to active self-care, ask yourself:

Are you staying physically active and engaged in activities you enjoy?

Are you setting and achieving fitness goals that challenge and motivate you?

Do you prioritize movement and its positive impact on your well-being?

(Examples include: Attending group fitness classes at your local gym, playing your favorite sport with friends, dancing to your favorite music in your living room)

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Creative

In the realm of creative self-care, reflect on these questions:

Are you nurturing your creative side regularly?

Do you engage in artistic or expressive activities that bring you joy and fulfillment?

How often do you set aside time for hobbies and creative pursuits?

(Examples Include: Painting or drawing as a form of self-expression, writing in a journal to explore your thoughts and feelings, learning to play a musical instrument)

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Nature

For nature-inspired self-care, ask yourself:

Are you spending enough time outdoors?

Do you connect with nature regularly, whether through hiking, gardening, or simply strolling in the park?

How often do you pause to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around you?

(Examples include: Going for a hike in a nearby nature reserve, gardening and tending to your plants, having a picnic in a local park)

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Social

Consider these questions for social self-care:

Are you maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones and friends?

Do you prioritize quality time with the people who matter most to you?

Are you open to forming new social bonds and expanding your support network?

(Examples include: Hosting a dinner party with close friends, attending a social club or group that interests you, scheduling regular video calls with long-distance loved ones.)

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Mental Stimulation

In the realm of mental stimulation and challenge, reflect on these questions:

Are you continuously learning and seeking new knowledge?

Do you engage in activities that challenge your intellect and problem-solving skills?

How often do you push your mental boundaries and explore new perspectives?

(Examples include: Solving puzzles or brain teasers, taking an online course to acquire a new skill, engaging in deep philosophical discussions with friends or in a book club.)

The lists go on and on–but start with something doable, that makes you feel good. Whether it’s focused inward, deepens your connections with people you love, or gets your endorphins pumping, self-care should be about increasing our joy and fulfillment.

Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Winter can be a tougher time for a lot of people. Days are shorter, the sky is darker, and it can be harder to connect with others, get outside, and do those things that bring many of us joy in warmer months. You may just be feeling a little bit down in the short-term, or you may have a more serious condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that comes and goes with the change in season. If you’re concerned about your mood or or mental state, talk to your physician. There are lots of options that can help you feel better if you have SAD or another type of depression.