Self-Care is Productive
May is dedicated to mental health awareness. So, this month’s focus will be just that, awareness for your own mental health’s sake. The mantra for May 2022 is “Self-care is productive.” You may be asking yourself, “But Trudy, how is it productive to take a nap? How is it productive to play with colored pencils and coloring books? How is it productive to (insert non-hustle activity here)?”
This conversation has happened with more than one client over the course of the last several years. So, I decided to make it a blog post. :)
Well, here it goes people…
When we engage in the “hustle culture” or fall into the “work, work, work” mindset, it becomes almost an obsession. Follow me on this one.
Our brains are amazing things. If you subscribe to the notion that you are only a benefit to the world if you are busy, then this may be for you. Our brains allow us to breathe, blink, and process complex information. They are ultimately the computer that keeps our bodily vessels working. However, sometimes, even your computer (or cell phone) needs to be rebooted, turned off, or allowed to rest. I have talked about how we frequently treat our cell phones better than we treat ourselves. Think about it.
We go buy a new phone. We charge it. We condition it. We apply screen protectors. We add protective cases. We protect it from the elements that are harmful to it like water, extreme heat and cold, and other excessive grit and irritants. However, we don’t do that for ourselves most days.
This month, I encourage you to take some time out for yourself each week.
Allow yourself to dismiss one “hustle” activity this week for just one day. Allow the kids to stay at grandma’s house. Have a “PJs all day” day. Allow yourself a small break to reset your own power. To put this into perspective, I cannot give you $50 if I don’t have $50 to give. The same thing goes for our energy levels. If you are familiar with how I work my therapy sessions, you will know that I take Wednesdays off so that I can reset my own batteries. This allows me to offer the same energy and attention to my clients on Thursday and Friday as I do to my clients on Monday and Tuesday.
Ultimately, mental self-care is productive because it allows the brain to pause the intake of new information and process what is already there. This ultimately allows for better and quicker cognitive choices and improved emotional responses. We are less likely to lash out if we are feeling calm and relaxed. However, if we are overwhelmed, we are more likely to do that kind of thing.
I wish you all of the best on your self-care journey this month. Much Love!
