As healthcare professionals, we work tirelessly to provide the best possible care for our patients. However, in doing so, we often neglect our own needs, both physically and mentally. It’s easy to overlook the importance of taking care of our own mental health, especially when we are faced with the constant pressures of our demanding jobs. 

However, the truth is that prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining our mental health and well-being. Our mental health has a direct impact on our job performance, our ability to provide quality patient care, and ultimately, our personal lives. When we take the time to prioritize our mental health, we are better able to care for ourselves and our patients. 

That’s why we have created this self-care challenge with 12 actions that can help boost your mental health. By taking small, intentional steps to prioritize self-care each day, we can improve our overall well-being and ensure that we are performing at our best both on and off the job.  

Do a Random Act of Kindness 

Doing a random act of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone, buying a coffee for a colleague, or helping someone with a task, can boost your mood and increase feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Acts of kindness have been shown to release hormones like oxytocin, which can improve our sense of well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. 

Listen to Your Favorite Song 

Listening to music has been shown to have a powerful impact on our emotions and can be a great tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Music can help to regulate our emotions and mood and has been shown to reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Additionally, music can help to distract us from negative thoughts and worries and promote feelings of relaxation and calm. 

Detox from Digital Devices for 1 Day 

In today’s world, we are constantly connected to our phones and other digital devices, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. Taking a break from technology, even for just one day, can help us recharge and reduce stress and anxiety. Research has shown that unplugging from technology can improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being. 

Spend Some Time in Nature 

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and body and has been shown to reduce negative emotions like anger, frustration, and sadness. Additionally, spending time in nature can improve cognitive function and creativity and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. 

Declutter Your Living Space 

A cluttered living space can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Taking some time to tidy up your living space and create a calm and organized environment can help to reduce these feelings. Additionally, decluttering can help to improve productivity and focus, and promote feelings of relaxation and calm. 

Call a Loved One 

Connecting with loved ones can help boost our mood and provide a sense of support and connection. Talking to a family member or friend can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, social support has been shown to improve overall mental health and well-being. 

Compliment Yourself in the Mirror 

It’s easy to be hard on ourselves and focus on our flaws. Taking some time to look in the mirror and give ourselves a compliment can help to boost our self-esteem and confidence. Focusing on our strengths and positive attributes can help us feel more positive and improve our overall sense of well-being. 

Make a Gratitude List 

Gratitude has been linked to improved mental health and well-being. Taking some time to write down a list of things we’re grateful for, whether it’s our health, our family, or our job, can help to shift our focus to the positive things in our lives. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can improve our mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. 

Take a Mini Staycation/Break 

Taking a break from our daily routine can help us recharge and reduce feelings of stress and burnout. Planning a mini staycation or taking a day off work to relax and recharge can help to improve our overall sense of well-being. Taking a break can help to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and promote feelings of relaxation and calm. 

Watch a Comfort Show or Movie 

 Watching a favorite show or movie can be a great way to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life. It allows healthcare professionals to take a break from their work and focus on something enjoyable and entertaining. This can help to reduce stress levels and provide a much-needed mental break. Furthermore, watching a show or movie with a positive message or relatable characters can also provide inspiration and motivation. It can remind healthcare professionals of the importance of their work and the impact that they have on their patients’ lives. This can help to renew their sense of purpose and passion for their work. 

Dance it Out

Dancing can be a great stress reliever as it helps to release endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood-boosters. When we dance, we also tend to let go of our inhibitions and focus on the movement and music, which can be a great way to distract ourselves from stressful thoughts and worries. 

Watch the Sunset or Sunrise 

Taking a few moments to appreciate the beauty of nature can be a great way to boost our mood and reduce stress. Watching the sunset or sunrise can be particularly therapeutic, as it reminds us of the constant cycle of life and the beauty that exists in the world. This can help to put our own problems and stresses into perspective and give us a greater sense of peace and calm. 

Mental Health Awareness Month

Overall, these self-care activities can help healthcare professionals manage stress and anxiety by promoting feelings of relaxation, positivity, and self-care. By making time for these activities, healthcare professionals can take care of their mental health and well-being, which is crucial for providing high-quality care to their patients. 

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, so take actions to improve your mental health! Whether you participate in our Self-Care Challenge or do other things that make you happy and less stressful, remember that your best self will provide the best care!