By Leanna Bissell, Registered Psychotherapist (Qual)
Self care does not need to look like a lavish day at the spa or a beach getaway. Self-care can look like small daily moments, where you take a mindful moment to be present with the morning coffee you're sipping, or put on your favourite song on your commute to work. Reframing self-care as small accessible habits you can fit into your daily life can allow these acts of self love to happen a lot more often!
Being kind to ourselves can help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and worry. A big getaway or lavish spa day can be a great way to show ourselves self love, but that is not accessible to the majority of people on a regular basis. Instead, we must reframe and look at self-care: "What can I do, on a daily basis that may help me become more grounded and more in the present moment?"
When we are not living in the present moment, we may find ourselves living in the past or living in the future. Going backwards is when symptoms of depression can be noticeable, perhaps a lack of motivation, or a decrease in feelings of joy during activities which once brought us happiness. If we are thinking in terms of the future, symptoms of anxiety may present, which may look like worry, or "what if" thinking styles. Therefore, self care or self love can be looked at through the lens of: "what I can do to get myself into the NOW?".
Some small habits to consider could be things you do in your daily life. Next time you're in the shower, actually be cognitively in the shower! Feeling the temperature of the water, acknowledging the feeling of the drops hitting your skin and breathing in the scent of your shampoo. Bring the present moment into the hot cup of coffee you're sipping on during your morning routine, noticing the sip going down your throat into your stomach and smelling the roasted beans. There are many different ways you can show yourself love by just getting present!
What are three things you could bring present moment thinking to in your daily life?
Psychotherapy can act as a great tool to help you get curious about your own self care habits and how you could gain more access to some small accessible habits.
If you are interested in learning more about how Psychotherapy can help, reach out and book a 15 minute free Meet & Greet Call. Call the office at 905-845-7668 or click here to book.