It is important not to overlook the importance of self-care. But what does self-care actually mean? Personally, it means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. It is an essential tool for managing expectations and enhancing one’s mental health. Self-care can help to reduce stress, boost self-confidence, set limits and realistic expectations and provide a much-needed break from the pressures of day-to-day life.

Here are 10 ways to practice self-care that can help you manage your expectations and improve your mental health.

1.  Set Boundaries

Setting personal boundaries is an important part of your own self-care and can help you honour and respect your own emotional, psychological and physical needs. It is also an essential element when it comes to managing expectations because it will be easier to maintain realistic expectations if you are clear about what you expect from both yourself and others.

2. Manage Your Expectations

Being pragmatic and managing expectations are also important aspects of self-care. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and others, can help to reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing because it enables you to respect and honour your own emotional, psychological, and physical needs. When setting goals or expectations, it is important to be realistic and be aware of your own limitations.

3. Be Kind To Yourself

Made a mistake and you simply cannot stop thinking about it? It’s easier to berate yourself when things go wrong. Try to avoid self-criticism. If a friend was upset, you wouldn’t want them to beat themselves up over it. You may have advice that you know they find helpful - or sometimes all they need is a hug. Remember, the same applies when you are upset. Self-compassion is key. Mindset matters. Our mindset drives and shapes all that we do – how we engage with others and how we behave in every moment and situation.

4. Quality Sleep

Developing healthy sleeping habits will help improve your mental and emotional health. Limit late-night electronic use as they can be over-stimulating, making it difficult to fall asleep. Plus, the glow from electronic devices can inhibit natural sleep cycles. Try to avoid caffeine before your bedtime. To ensure that your bed is associated with sleep and relaxation, try to study and work etc. in designated areas in your home away from your bed.

5. Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks throughout the day allows your mind to rest and recharge. This can help to reduce stress levels and allow you to stay focused on the task at hand. Whether you are fitting in a few deep breaths or going on a weekend retreat, it’s important to take beneficial breaks. It enhances your mood and can even restore your motivation so take microbreaks whenever it is possible to do so!

6. Digital Detox

In a world of digital technology, it sometimes helps to just unplug. A digital detox can include reducing the amount of time spent on social media or disconnecting completely. Simply stepping away from your phone, console or device and reconnecting with the real world can help reduce your stress levels. Spend quality time alone or with your loved ones doing what you love. Making time to do what you love can help you ease your stress.

7. Take A Walk In Nature

Taking a microbreak and focusing on your surroundings is an essential element of self-care. Exercise and exposure to natural light, such as a walk outside in the morning, will help you wake up and feel alert. When you feel more connected to nature, it will not only help lift your mood, it can also often shift your mental paradigm, thereby helping you gain perspective and understand that sometimes our troubles might not be as big as they seemed.

8. Practise Mindfulness

Prayer and mindfulness are also effective ways to stay grounded and present in the moment. Practising mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety and make it easier to handle difficult emotions. Turn regular activities, like walking, into mindful moments. A digital detox can also help achieve this.

9. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a great way to release stress and improve your mental well-being. Aim to get at least 20 minutes of exercise per day to get the most benefit. Simple things like a brisk walk, taking the stairs, light stretches away from your desk etc. can help. Physical exercise can help improve your mood, give you energy, and may even extend your life span. If possible, try to exercise earlier in the day so you have a couple of hours before bed to wind down

10.  Eat Well

In the hustle and bustle of life, we may find ourselves reaching for comfort food. Nutrition should be considered as an important physical component of self-care - caring for yourself means eating well and eating well means caring for yourself. What we eat affects our work performance and energy levels. It’s important to eat well to feel well! It's important to have a balanced diet. Plan ahead. Meal-planning and meal prepping on weekends or when you are free is an important self-care tool. It will not only help simplify your life, having an adaptable and nutritious meal plan will also help you to explore a wider variety of foods, colours and textures.

Life is like a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. It is essential not to overlook all aspects of self-care we all need a little bit of TLC.

Written & Edited by: Aziza Khanom