Healing is a journey that takes time and everyone’s path is different. It’s important to remember that you can experience feelings like sadness or grief during your journey, but that doesn’t mean you are going wrong.
Older adults define self-healing as resilience on yourself to maintain your health and well-being, focusing on the importance of exercise and healthy diets, positive interpersonal relations, and optimism and openness to life.
1. Practice self-love
Practicing self-love and self-care may seem like a cheesy cliché but it’s essential to our mental health. Self-love is a daily practice that includes nourishing your body with healthy food and sleep, exercising regularly, engaging in self-discovery through journaling or therapy and establishing personal rituals like meditation.
These practices teach you to be kind and compassionate with yourself, even if you’re having a bad day. It also teaches you to prioritize your own needs, including setting healthy boundaries. Everyone has a finite amount of energy and it’s important to protect your own well-being by saying no to negative or emotionally draining situations, says Shelby.
If you’re struggling to implement these practices into your life, psychological counselling can help. Book a session to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to loving yourself and your mental health.
2. Listen to your body
The body has a very powerful way of communicating with us, and if we listen to it, our physical health and mental wellness will improve. Listening to the body can be done through deep relaxation, breathing exercises, fitness training and other techniques.
When you feel a craving, ache or stress try to tune in and listen to what it is trying to say. Ask yourself how your body wants to be nourished with food, moved and rested, and how it needs to connect spiritually.
A well-tuned body is one of the best indicators that you are self healing. Listening to the body will give you a sense of empowerment over your wellness, which in turn fuels contentment. Learn to listen and take action today.
3. Practice self-care
Self-care refers to any activity that you do deliberately to promote your own physical, emotional and mental health. It can include activities like exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep. It also includes practices such as meditation and journaling.
It can also involve social activities, such as connecting with friends and family via phone, video chat or in person. It can also include recreational activities, such as playing games, reading and taking time off from work. Finally, it can include spiritual and religious activities.
Research shows that practicing self-care is associated with a number of positive outcomes, including improved mental and physical health, increased productivity, better relationships and reduced stress levels. It can also lead to a greater sense of control, meaning and well-being.
4. Be kind to yourself
Being kind to yourself is one of the most important aspects of self-healing. It is crucial to establishing healthy relationships and being able to reach your full potential. Becoming kind to yourself means being supportive and understanding of your mistakes, failures, and shortcomings.
Practicing mindfulness can help you become aware of the negative things you say to yourself and change them to positive affirmations. Using calming coping techniques like deep relaxation can also be helpful. Try taking a bath, listening to soothing music, or talking to yourself in a loving manner.
Creating an inner circle of positive people can help quiet your inner critic. Being around those who support you can also help you develop a stronger sense of self-worth and increase your confidence.
5. Take time for yourself
It’s important to take time for yourself so that you can recharge your mind and body. This can include things like meditation, deep relaxation, and getting enough sleep.
Taking time for yourself can also help you clear out your thoughts and emotions. If you have an issue that is draining your emotional energy, spending time alone can give you the space to work through it and find a satisfying resolution.
Ultimately, self-healing is all about being able to care for yourself and feel good about doing it. This means showering, eating nutrient-rich food, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. When you’re able to take care of yourself, you can better care for those around you. And that’s a win for everyone.
