Unlocking the Power of Self-Care: 10 Daily Habits for Better Mental Health

Life can be a whirlwind, especially when you're navigating the joys and challenges of being a cosplayer, makeup enthusiast, or juggling a relationship. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but amidst it all, one thing remains crucial - your mental health. I fit into all 3 categories; I absolutely love makeup. And if I can cosplay, I will. I've felt self-conscious about makeup, cosplays, and I've definitely burned myself out getting ready for a convention. I'm also in a wonderful poly-relationship with a man and a woman who I care for deeply. And I've struggled with mental health issues for a long time.

As someone who understands the importance of self-care, here are some of my top 10 daily habits designed to help you nurture your mental well-being and thrive in the midst of it all.

1. Morning Mindfulness Routine

Start your day with a few moments of mindfulness. Whether it's deep breathing, meditation, or simply savoring a cup of tea, this practice can set a positive tone for the day ahead. I personally like to wake up and listen to some of my favorite songs that inspire me to do better each day. Lately, one of the songs on my playlist that I listen to again and again is "Unstoppable" by Sia. It really pumps me up and gets me feeling powerful. I get ready for the day after that and try to remember that I can conquer any challenge that I put my mind to.

2. Prioritize Nutrition

Fuel your body with nutritious foods. Ensure your meals include a balance of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I love making one-pot meals during the week when I have time. One of my favorite recipes is a vegetable pasta dish that I came up with. It's never the same twice, but I like to add some chicken to the dish every once in a while so I can have a little bit of everything in my dish. I also like eating applesauce after work. It's a quick snack that is tasty and brings back some happy memories from when I was a child and I made homemade applesauce with my mom. Proper nutrition can have a profound impact on your mood and energy levels. I can definitely feel when I don't get enough vitamins in my diet; I get grouchy, and I have a lot more migraines.

Photo by Hanson Lu

3. Move Your Body

Even with a busy schedule, find time for movement. Whether it's a quick home workout, a walk in the fresh air, or some dance moves to your favorite anime theme song, physical activity releases endorphins, boosting your mood. For me, I work in a semi-labor-intensive job. Which I love! But at the same time, I still try to make time each day to dance to a few of my favorite songs. I also like to work out for 20-35 minutes when I have time. When I don't have a lot of time, I try and do a short 10-minute workout that I find on YouTube. I tend to do a bit more strength training because I'm trying to build muscle, but there are quite a few awesome videos to watch and follow along with.

4. Pamper Your Skin

As someone who probably doesn't want pimples, you'll understand the importance of skincare. Take a few minutes each day to pamper your skin. It's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good in your own skin too. I like using a pink grapefruit or apricot scrub on my skin once or twice a week. And maybe once or twice a month, I'll use a face mask. I like how soft my skin feels after I've pampered it a little, and I feel so clean. If you decide to try and do a pampering, make a day of it if you haven't done it before. Treat yourself to an at-home spa with some of your favorite tunes. My partners and I will occasionally do spa days together, and it is amazing to spend time with them and both be pampered and pamper the people I love.

5. Stay Connected

Your relationship is special, and maintaining strong connections with your partner is essential. Take time to communicate, share experiences, and offer support. I have struggled with this in the past. I love my girlfriend, but I would bottle things up because I didn't want to upset her. But I could communicate with my boyfriend. And the same thing was happening with my girlfriend being worried about communicating with me. And that wasn't fair to any of us. It took our boyfriend bringing us together and helping us work through it. He was so patient and thankfully willing to put up with being our sounding boards for a while. Now things have been going so much better in my relationship with my girlfriend. And my boyfriend doesn't have to listen to both of us worry about worrying the other. Healthy relationships are a cornerstone of good mental health and they shouldn't be taken for granted.

Photo by Kate Stone Matheson

6. Cat Cuddles and Quality Time

For me, I love spending time with my cats. Don't underestimate the therapeutic power of spending time with your feline friends. Or your beautiful puppers! Whether it's cuddles on the couch or playtime with toys, these moments can be incredibly soothing. My cats love to jump on my bed when I'm working or watching a movie and just lay down and watch what I'm doing or if the movie is flashy enough for them it seems like they get into it, lol. Not to say I don't love dogs; I do, I absolutely love my boyfriend's dog. She is such a sweetheart, and she demands cuddles at every turn; it's adorable! When I walk into the house, she is at my feet demanding cuddles until I sit on the couch and rub her belly.

7. Self-Affirmation

Practice self-love and self-acceptance. Each day, affirm positive statements about yourself. Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate your journey. It sounds weird and corny but it honestly does work. I've noticed that the more I listen to positive music and music with affirmations I feel better. If you are ever struggling for affirmations, I suggest listening to Snoop Dogg's "Affirmation Song."

8. Set Boundaries

In this hustle and bustle world, it's easy to get lost in the excitement. Make sure to set boundaries and allocate time for self-care. I personally take time on the weekends to recoup from the week. I spend time with my loved ones if I have the energy and if I don't go out, I send them messages throughout the day to let them know that they are on my mind even when I can't visit, and I'll spend the day relaxing with my cats. Respect your own limits because no one else will.

9. Journaling

Take a few minutes each day to jot down your thoughts and feelings. It's a therapeutic way to process your emotions and gain clarity. I was recently talking about this with my counselor, and she was reminding me that while I was journaling, I wasn't really expressing what I thought or felt about how certain events happened during the day. My journal was kind of today this happened.... and so on but no real emotion could be felt from the writing. To be honest it was easier to tell how I felt due to my penmanship more than the words on the page. Now I'm trying to make sure to articulate how I'm feeling during my entries. I know that by getting how I'm feeling out and onto paper, I feel lighter. Sometimes I even rip out the page now and tear up the negative feelings and throw them away. It can feel so freeing.

10. Wind Down Ritual

Create a soothing bedtime ritual. Whether it's reading a favorite manga, enjoying a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretches, winding down can improve the quality of your sleep and overall mental health. If I can't exercise during the day, I'll do a nighttime yoga routine to help me fall asleep. I also listen to either rain sounds, a story podcast, or an audiobook to fall asleep. I don't listen to new stories though, otherwise, I'd get sucked in and end up staying up all night. I recently listened to Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor again, and it was such a good book that it is soothing to listen to as I fall asleep.

Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's an act of self-love. You deserve to take time for yourself. You deserve to feel beautiful. You deserve to have your needs met, be them in person or by yourself. By incorporating these daily habits into your life, you're taking proactive steps to nurture your mental well-being, boost your confidence, and navigate the intricacies of your unique lifestyle with resilience and grace. You've got this!

Embrace the journey, prioritize your mental health, and keep shining in your own unique way.