We know building good relationships and spending our time and energy on our family is important. But to keep this going, you also need to spend some time looking after yourself. Think of it as self-maintenance; you have to take care of yourself to care for someone else.
We all know the importance of building strong relationships and investing time in family. But here’s a reminder: to sustain those connections, you need to invest some time in looking after yourself. Think of it as self-maintenance – a necessary step to care for others effectively. Regular self-maintenance helps keep things running smoothly and tackles issues before they become big problems. With this in mind, let’s explore some practical tips.
Quality time with your family is wonderful, but everyone needs some quiet time for reflection. Whether it’s a shed, a study, or a peaceful spot in your backyard, find a space to unwind and recharge. Read a book, listen to a podcast, practise meditation, or just soak in the peace and quiet.
Don’t let your friendships fade away. It can be easy to cut yourself off from friends when you are busy. Catch up with your mates for a coffee, a game of footy, or even just a chat.
Stress is part of life, but it can get overwhelming. When things get stressful, find healthy ways to cope and relax. Take a short walk, work on a relaxing hobby, or try progressive muscle relaxation. Whichever way you decide to manage stress, make sure you avoid unhealthy behaviours like alcohol, drugs and smoking. These unhealthy coping behaviours can lead to more stress in the long run.
Many of us can be pretty hard on ourselves. Instead, treat yourself with understanding, kindness and empathy. Whenever you feel down, talk to yourself like you would talk to a mate going through a tough time.
Quality sleep can help to sharpen your attention, improve your memory, and lower your stress. Set a regular sleep schedule and create a comfy sleeping environment – cool, dark, and quiet. If you wake up feeling refreshed, you will feel more ready to tackle the day.
Caring for yourself extends to your physical health. When scheduling health check-ups, ensure they cover critical areas like blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, prostate, and heart health. Regular check-ups are not just about preventing problems but ensuring you maintain optimal health to tackle life’s challenges.
MensLine Australia has developed a self-care toolkit covering sleep, goal setting, relaxation, setting boundaries, and problem-solving. Visit the self-care toolkit page to download the tip sheets.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. Talk to a doctor, counsellor, or support group if you feel overwhelmed. They’re there to listen and offer valuable guidance.
Looking after yourself is important. By focusing on your wellbeing, you will be better equipped to tackle life’s challenges and be there for your family and friends when they need you most. So take some time for yourself, reach out for help when needed, and remember – you’re not alone in this.
MensLine Australia is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with professional counsellors providing information and support for emotional and mental health issues. Call us on 1300 78 99 78 or click the floating chat button on the right to access online counselling. Our service is free.
If it is an emergency, please call 000.
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