There’s no doubt that looking after ourselves is a necessity. Whether its stress, or anxiety, self-care is always near the top of our ‘to-do lists’. But whilst we are busy turning up late to yoga, or looking for pens that actually work to write our journals, sometimes we fail to notice others that need self-care.
Anxiety and stress are built in components of being human. We all struggle with them – some more than others – so its necessary to be there for those that need self care (even if this goes against the name it bears).
Mental health has recently become a hot topic, and so it should be. But aside from being able to be aware for ours’ and others’ wellbeing, we should also learn how to address these problems with self-care techniques. As is resident in its nature, self-care is individual to each, thus making it an applicable and useful tool for all, thus promoting this is central to looking out for those around us.
Furthermore, learning the values of self-care doesn’t just relieve us at the moment of need, it can provide long term habits that are key to mental and physical wellbeing.
This post will guide you into looking out for and looking after those that need selfcare.
The signs you should be aware of
Although stress and anxiety are often simplified into general problems, their symptoms can often be intricate and go unnoticed.
The most common signs often revolve around avoiding people or changing plans. By removing themselves from situations that could cause anxiety, they could ironically be turning down time for themselves, something which could providing some decompressing. Whether its not picking up the phone now and then, or leaving a gathering after a couple of sips of a drink, these small actions could signal something much more serious.
Other symptoms that someone needs some time for themselves includes extreme emotions. In rather scientific terms, the part of the brain involved with anxiety, also relates to emotion, tipping rational responses into the irrational. Sudden bursts of emotion could signal that things are simply getting a bit too much.
A more physical response to anxiety could be stomach trouble; irritable bowels are a stereotypical response to stress, however, this can often go unnoticed. Nevertheless, if they mention their physical troubles which parallel the other problems discussed, the need for self-care is a must.
The final major symptoms heralding the need for self-care is a lack of sleep and concentration. We are all well versed in stressful thoughts dominating our minds, right when we are trying to go to sleep. If those around you signal the common symptoms of skipping on their eight hours, or holding conversations is quite a feat, consider that they need some serious me-time.
It’s no surprise that these smaller symptoms of stress and anxiety are experienced by many, but the cumulation of them may be disregarded for having ‘a bad day’. By listening closer to these smaller signs, we can detect and help those that need some care.
How you can promote self-care for others
The personal nature of self-care prevents it being something we can easily share. But the central focus of looking out for those that need it is based on the promotion and inclusion of these stressed and anxious people.
Self-care, as the name suggests, is about the one person that needs it. By having time for just themselves, they can work through their pain and learn to heal. Journaling is considered the prime option for dealing with such struggles, but by letting them talk to you, by providing that open ear, you can encourage basic methods of self-care.
However, with those that experience anxiety, we should avoid pressuring them to face more than they are comfortable with. Self-care should not be enforced, it should be encouraged by including them in relaxing methods of care.
This could include exercising together which is heralded as a key method to de-stressing. By maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, you can ensure calming care.
If heading out for a run or hike is not your cup of tea, creative projects can have a similar, less sweaty effect. Whether your heading to a book club, volunteering together, or trying DIY projects, you can de-stress in a non-pressuring environment. By taking them away from what could be causing their stress, they can have time for themselves, and not feel alone in their struggles.
With recent developments in how we approach mental health, its common knowledge that feeling stressed can mean much more when we look beneath the surface. Having a therapist, or taking time for oneself is losing the stigmas it used to bare.
But when those that need self-care avoid uncertain situations, its difficult to ensure they are getting the relief that they need.
Sometimes looking after those you love can simply mean being there for when they need it. And this naturally integrates the care methods they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
