Self-care, self-care, self-care. You know you need to do it- but somehow, it always ends up last on your to-do list (if it makes the list at all). With a million things on your plate, keeping up with self-care for anxiety often becomes the last priority.

If you are struggling with anxiety or stress, practicing good self-care habits can really help ease the mind chatter. Has it been a while since you took a look at your self-care?

As an anxiety therapist in Oakland, CA- I often encourage my clients to “check-up” on their self-care when things are feeling more stressful than normal.

Looking at how you are doing with your self-care can give you great information about areas in your life that could use a little TLC. Here are my favorite tips to fine-tune your self-care regimen, for a healthier, happier, and a less stressed you:

1. Add more structure and routine to your day.

   Minds wander more when they are bored. Adding more predictability to your schedule helps calm the mind. If you are finding yourself more stressed outside of work or when you have extra downtime, try adding a hobby or something fun you can look forward to on a weekly basis. Writing out a daily schedule in the morning with a few things you want to do that day can also help. With either of these strategies, finding a good balance is key- making your schedule too full might increase stress rather than decrease it.

2. Move your body daily.

   You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from the cortisol-lowering effects of exercise. Simply moving your body on a daily basis can majorly impact your ability to handle stress. Get outside, go for a walk, stretch. Keeping consistent with daily movement will help.

3. Get good sleep.

   Give yourself a bedtime and make sure you honor it, even on the weekends (I know- boo no fun). Routine and structure with your sleep schedule- getting up at the same time and going to bed at the same time- will improve the quality of your sleep, and ensure you get enough. Being well-rested will help you better regulate your mood and manage your stress levels.

4. Eat food that nourishes you.

   Stress eating take-out and ice cream a little more than usual lately? While a little indulgence from time to time doesn’t hurt, make sure you are getting in quality nutritious food the majority of the time. Eating food that nourishes your body (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc) gives your body the nutrients it needs to run smoothly, which directly impacts your mental health and anxiety.

5. Connect with meaningful relationships.

   Don’t forget to spend time with loved ones! As humans, we need meaningful social connections in order to fully thrive. If you are finding yourself stuck in your head more often lately, calling a friend or scheduling a fun get-together can really help.

If you are looking for more support in managing your stress and anxiety, feel free to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation through my contact page. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person to get the help you need. If you are looking for help with trauma & PTSD, harm reduction for addictive behaviors, or couples therapy, you can read more about how I can help here.