May is mental health awareness month, so in honor of it, we are dedicating this blog to self-care tips to slow down time and feel better mentally!

You’re only as old as you feel.

Age is just a number.

Young at heart.

You’ve probably heard all of those cliches before, but they’re easy to brush off. The fact is, there is more truth to them than you might think. Aging is so much more than just a physical process.

There are plenty of things you can do to slow down the hands of time from a physical standpoint so you can continue to look and feel your best. But, taking care of your mind is necessary when it comes to longevity, too. Self-care practices that support both your physical and mental well-being are linked to a longer life, helping to enhance overall health and wellness.

So, how can you practice self-care that makes your mental health a priority, and how can it impact the aging process? Self care is important because it not only supports your mental and physical health, but also improves your quality of life and helps prevent illness.

Change Your Daily Habits

One of the best ways to practice self-care every day is to make small adjustments to the things you already do. That includes your sleeping habits, eating habits, and physical activity. These are all key components of physical self care, which is essential for maintaining both your mental and physical well-being.

Unfortunately, sleep disorders are fairly common in older adults. You might have trouble falling asleep, or you might wake up frequently throughout the night. Not getting enough sleep is more than just an annoyance. It can lead to serious health complications and can increase your risk of developing depression. Prioritizing sleep is a foundational self-care strategy that can enhance your overall well-being. Talking to your doctor about any sleep problems you’re having is a good place to start. But, you can also change some of your sleeping habits, including:

• Going to bed at the same time each night
• Creating the right environment for sleep
• Avoiding electronics an hour before bed
• Limiting caffeine consumptions
• Avoiding naps throughout the day

In addition to keeping you mentally and physically healthy, getting enough rest can also boost your energy and give you what you need to stay physically active each day. Exercise is a natural way to improve your mood, and a necessity to prevent some early signs of aging. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of moderate to intense aerobic activity as part of your regular exercise routine, which benefits both your physical and mental health. Make it a goal to exercise regularly as part of your self-care routine to support overall wellbeing. Engaging in self-care practices like regular exercise and prioritizing sleep can also help reduce anxiety and improve your mental health.

Finally, consider making some dietary changes. Not only will limiting processed foods and saturated fats benefit your physical health, but focusing on healthy fats, lean meats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can improve your mood and help you to age gracefully. These habits are important steps toward achieving a healthier life.

Evaluate Your Surroundings

Did you know that your environment can have a major impact on your mental health? If you’re constantly feeling stressed or you simply don’t feel inspired by where you are, make some changes. Your environment includes everything from the general aesthetic of a room to the people you spend the most time with. Social self care is just as important as physical self-care, as maintaining strong connections with others can greatly improve your overall well-being.

You can start by making changes to your home decor. Changing your home atmosphere to something that makes you feel calm is a great way to practice self-care and enjoy it every day. The arrangement of a room, the utilization of space, the lighting, and even the color can make a big difference in how you feel. Choose things that inspire you and bring a sense of calm. You can change every room in your house to fit a specific theme or evoke a different emotion. Taking on that kind of project can be a form of self-care on its own. But, you get to reap the rewards forever!

In addition to your physical surroundings, think about the people you surround yourself with. Mental health problems can be a big risk for older adults, even if they shouldn’t be a normal part of the aging process.

Making sure you have people in your life who will support you and be a listening ear is important. Involving family members in self-care activities, such as shared meals or outdoor activities, can help strengthen your social well being and foster a sense of community. Spending time with supportive people can also provide emotional support, which is essential for mental health. If there are individuals who seem intent to bring you down, criticize you, or cause conflict in your life, it could be time to let them go. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by certain relationships, so adjusting your social circle is sometimes necessary for your well-being. Taking care of yourself involves building up a support system. Chances are, you have a few people in mind already who you know you can trust and turn to for anything. Spend more time with them, and let them know how much they matter.

Indulge and Splurge When It’s Necessary

Because “self-care” has become a bit of a buzzword, many people think it means you have to go out and buy expensive jewelry, a new car, or treat yourself to a trip around the world.

That simply isn’t the case. Self-care is mostly about little things you can do every day to focus on your wellbeing. That could include things like:

• Cooking your favorite meal
• Reading a good book
• Watching one of your favorite movies
• Creating a “spa day” at home and pampering your skin
• Engaging in leisure activities

Self care activities can be simple and enjoyable, and sometimes, when life feels out of balance, it’s important to incorporate more self care into your routine.

There are, however, instances in which it’s perfectly okay to splurge a little. Have you developed a travel bug and you haven’t been able to go anywhere because of the pandemic? It’s okay to treat yourself to a plane ticket, or a weekend road trip with someone you love.

Self-Image Issues

Are you struggling with self-image issues as you age? If so, it’s your prerogative to consider different plastic surgery procedures. Cosmetic surgery has seen a surge throughout the pandemic. It could be due to things like Zoom meetings making people hyper-aware of their appearance. Others realize they have more downtime to recover.

Whatever the case, if you’ve considered plastic surgery in the past but have put it off, now could be a perfect time. Even a simple procedure like Botox has seen a 64% increase during the pandemic. One procedure could completely change the way you feel about yourself and boost your self esteem.

While improving your self-image can have a positive effect, maintaining emotional health is just as important as physical appearance.

Young At Heart

Taking care of your mental health as you age is crucial. Supporting your psychological well being through self-care helps maintain mental sharpness, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of purpose as you grow older.

Not only can it give your physical health a boost, but as the old saying goes, “you’re only as old as you feel”. Nurturing your mental and emotional health is essential for happiness and longevity. With less stress and a positive outlook on life, you can feel “young at heart” and happy for many years to come.

These practices all contribute to your overall wellness as you age.

The Importance of Gratitude

Gratitude is one of the most powerful self-care practices you can add to your daily routine. When we take a moment to focus on what we’re thankful for, we naturally shift our attention away from stress and negative thoughts, making room for more positive emotions. Practicing gratitude isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, support emotional regulation, and even help ease symptoms of depression.

Incorporating gratitude into your self care routine can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, where you jot down three things you’re grateful for each day, or sharing your appreciation with a friend or family member. These small acts can have a big impact on your mental health and overall health, helping you to reduce stress and build resilience. By making gratitude a regular part of your daily routine, you’ll find yourself feeling lighter, more optimistic, and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. Remember, prioritizing gratitude is a simple yet profound way to nurture your well being and slow down the rush of daily life.

Sleep and Self-Care

Quality sleep is the foundation of both physical and mental health, and it’s a cornerstone of any effective self care plan. When we get enough sleep, our bodies have the chance to repair and recharge, while our minds process emotions and memories. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can take a toll on our immune system, increase stress and anxiety, and leave us feeling run down and less able to cope with daily challenges.

Prioritizing sleep means making it a non-negotiable part of your self care routine. This might involve creating a calming bedtime ritual, turning off screens an hour before bed, or making your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to support your overall well being and help your body and mind recover from the day. By taking care of your sleep needs, you’ll not only reduce stress and anxiety, but also boost your resilience and enjoy a greater sense of balance and vitality in your life.

Creating a Self-Care Plan

A thoughtful self-care plan is your personal roadmap to better mental health and overall well being. Rather than leaving self care to chance, take a few minutes to reflect on what activities help you relax, recharge, and feel your best. Your self care plan should be tailored to your unique needs and might include deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, or enjoying hobbies that bring you joy.

Scheduling self care into your daily or weekly routine ensures you’re consistently taking care of yourself, even when life gets busy. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet reflection, a walk outside, or a creative project, these moments of self care add up to a healthier, more balanced you. By making self care a priority, you’ll find it easier to reduce stress, support your mental health, and enhance your overall well being—one small step at a time.

Maintaining Motivation for Self-Care

Staying motivated to practice self care can be tough, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. But reminding yourself of the benefits—like improved mental health, reduced stress, and greater resilience—can help you stay on track. Try setting gentle reminders in your calendar, or share your self care goals with a trusted friend or family member who can provide encouragement and emotional support.

Tracking your progress and celebrating small successes can also boost your motivation. By weaving self care into your daily routine and treating it as a non-negotiable part of your life, you’ll be less likely to experience burnout and more likely to enjoy lasting well being. Don’t forget to schedule regular medical check ups and reach out to a mental health professional if you need extra support managing stress or anxiety. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for living a healthier, happier life, no matter what challenges come your way.

How do you take care of yourself and your mental health with self-care? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this page.

If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe. You will get each daily story delivered straight to your inbox.

[[CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE]]