Rose-Minded has discussed self-care before, but now will prepare you to schedule self-care and find realistic ways to incorporate self-care into your daily life. Planning ahead for self-care will allow you to focus on the now, and not forget about yourself in the process.
For example, after school today I am going to the beach, for some ocean-side solitude. I planned this out yesterday, because I have free time today after school, and nothing urgent I need to take care of immediately after I get out of my classes. This way, I don't have to think about what I'm going to do today, how I can fit time for myself into this day, and I'm not missing out on anything important because I made sure to schedule my self-care during a convenient time.
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Want an easy way to get started with this? Pick your least-busy day.
On your least-busy day, you will be planning out your week. This is nice because you won't be stressed while scheduling (or hopefully not), and you can be clear-headed while you fit in time for yourself during your week. This in itself, is a form of self-care.
If you have a planner, calendar, or even a piece of paper you can label the days of the week on, then you're all set! I've put together a free weekly planner that is free for download, it's a weekly calendar you can print out each week and fill in with important information relevant to your self-care.
If you need some ideas for self-care, see here!
You don't have to go to the beach or do some big self-care act 7 days a week! Find days and times that work and are comfortable for you, and then include at least 1 bigger self-care act (whatever you'd like, this is completely subjective to each individual), and 2-3 "smaller" self-care acts. You can do more, you can do less. This is again, completely up to you.
If you're looking to be festive, or just spice up your self-care routine, check out some fall self-care ideas!
On my weekly planner, I've created a few extra sections for other weekly mental health topics, such as goal-setting, emotion control, and stress levels. If you have your own planner you want to use, you can still include topics like the ones I just listed to document your progress and mental health in whatever scheduling form you're using!
If self-care is still a struggle for you, and you need a little motivation, inspiration, or encouragement, read The Struggle of Self-Care.
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This free weekly self-care planner is available for download here!
Want more freebies?? Check out the 83 Mental Health Instagram Hashtags Everyone Should Know About!
Want More?
Take your time with this journal guide and be easy on yourself! Go at your own pace and remember to try your best, whatever your best may be.
What is depression?
"Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks." -NIMH
What's Included:
- Gratitude Prompts
- Emotional Intelligence Prompts
- Signs & Symptoms Prompts
- Self-Care Prompts
- 52 week calendar laying out your year of mental heath journaling!
Note: This journal guide shouldn't replace professional treatment! It should be used as a helpful aid in the improvement of depression and recovery.
The prompts are split to cover different areas of importance for those who still struggle with understanding their anxiety and stress, and understanding themselves.
Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to learn more about yourself, especially if you're reflecting on previous entries!
Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Restlessness or feeling wound-up or on edge
Being easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or having their minds go blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Difficulty controlling the worry
Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep)