Check out these daily self-care tips to add to your routine.

Never underestimate the importance of putting yourself first. Self-care goes a long way when it comes to improving your physical, mental and emotional health. Dr. Laura Miller, a family medicine and primary care physician at Mercy Health, walks us through why self-care is so important.

“Sometimes we forget we can’t do everything and we don’t take time to take care of ourselves,” she says. “We live in a fast-paced culture, so it’s a challenge to slow down and remember that sometimes less is more.”

Here are some self-care tips to start incorporating into your daily life:

• Get more sleep – Making sure you get the recommended 8 hours of sleep is a simple form of self-care. Getting more sleep jump-starts your brain and gives you more energy.
• Plan your day – Getting organized and managing your time can help ensure you have enough time for self-care each day. Dr. Miller suggests carving out protected time in your schedule for yourself.
• Unplug from social media – Studies have shown a link between overuse of social media and depression. Stepping away from your computer and phone can help improve mental health and allow you to focus on what’s important.
• Take time for self-reflection – Giving yourself the necessary time to look back on your day allows you to clear your mind and let go of stress. Dr. Miller recommends journaling as a great form of self-reflection.
• Give back through volunteering – Sometimes people feel best when they are helping others. Great activities to consider are donating to local food drives and doing charity work for a cause that’s important to you.
• Eating right and exercise – Mental health starts with physical health. Being active helps alleviate stress and healthy eating gives your body the nutrients it needs to take on the day.
• Find a hobby – A big part of self-care is treating yourself. Develop new leisure activities that keeps you busy and brings you joy.

The beauty of self-care is it is what you make it. All it involves is doing things to rejuvenate and replenish your mind, body and soul.

Feel you need professional services? Check out our Integrated Behavioral Health page.