Lately my social media has been flooded with mental health awareness. I am happy to see that many have chosen to advocate for this disease. To fight and spread awareness to help others. Mental health is not something you can always notice physically, but it is dangerous and its effects are physiologically unbearable.

So today I wanted to take a moment and encourage my followers to try a few new things.

5 simple ways to practice self care but also take care of your mental state.

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• Taking time off

Studies have shown that the effects can be detrimental for women who do not take time for themselves. So ladies…take your calendar and start by scheduling a day, once a month, to do something for yourself. Get a manicure, grab lunch with a friend, see a movie, go shopping [even window shopping], get a massage. Or simply stop by the library, grab a book, a cup of coffee and sit in peace. We all need to relax our body, mind and soul. Once you get comfortable and realize how much this means to you and your mental state, add another day and soon enough you will find time every week to do something for yourself.

• Download a meditation app

I have tired a few different apps and finally found the one that soothes me the best. You need to do the same. Search through apps, try a few and you will just know when you find the right one. They provide guided meditations and you do not need to sit on a pillow to do so. Some as short as 3 minutes and can be done in the comfort of your bed. The breathing exercises train your mind to relax and be more calmer. It sure did for me! Try it every morning to amp up your day and every evening to wind down.

• Go for a walk in the woods

I know that sounds a little dangerous but grab a friend or your significant other. You can chat through it and get two for one special. Or bring your headphones, your mediation app and both of you can enjoy some fresh air and relax your mind at the same time. Nature has been shown to improve psychological health by reducing stress, enhancing mood and uplifting your mental fatigue. My husband and I used to do this all of the time but life happened. So this is also a reminder for myself to make more time for our walks!

• Take a bath or visit a sauna

If you have the luxury of a nice bathtub, take full advantage of this. I typically fill it up with hot water, Epsom salt, add a few drops of lavender essential oils and bubbles of course. I also dim the lights, turn on some music or mediation app and relax for at least 30 minutes if not more. It is exactly what my body needs. I close my eyes and focus on the music and let my mind relax. If this is not an option, there are spas that have saunas. Make an appointment and just do it! You will not regret this by any means. It is so important for you, your body, your mind and soul. Plus your sinuses will appreciate a cleans as well 🙂

• Drink more tea

Tea has a long history of benefits. But peppermint or chamomile tea are known to enhance mood and cognition but also have a calming effect. They leave you relaxed. Not only do they help with your overall mood but also with sleep, immune system and irritability.

Please take some time to think about yourself and your well being. YOU are important! There are people who love you and want to see you happy and healthy. Do it for yourself and for them.

x, Dijana