I can’t tell if when people hear, “self-care” that they’re actually excited by this prospect. I’ve noticed that folks cringe internally because self-care can seem like gentle-parenting yourself. However, despite what might be internalized as cringe, self-care is so crucial, especially if it does feel “cringe”. I’m excited to tell you why and share some ideas of helpful self-care for anxious individuals.

My instincts tell me that self-care has gotten a bad rap. In my work with clients, I’ve noticed that self-care can be perceived as a nuisance. I believe this is because self-care requires us to show up for ourselves. So much in life can feel like a task, especially when we’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and everyday pressures. It can feel like an additional task to give ourselves some TLC. Because let’s be honest, self-care isn’t all face masks and bubble baths. Sometimes self-care does require effort and time. Sometimes it does feel like effort in the moment, but we do it because we know our future-self will thank us.

So why is self-care so important? And why is it is an important part of OCD (obsessive and compulsive disorder), anxiety and trauma healing?

Self-care for someone with anxiety, OCD, and trauma often means purposefully slowing down. In this slowing down, it is an intentional step away from the growing list of things-to-do and things-to-get-done. Instead of the focus being on survival, as it often is, we intentionally choose to take some time to calm our nervous system and be present in the moment.

Our existence with anxiety or trauma often involves just surviving from one moment to the next. Even when all is calm and there is truly nothing to do or worry about, our nervous system hasn’t gotten the message. Self-care is truly taking the time to ground yourself in the present moment with acts of kindness (whether that genuinely is taking a bath, doing a face mask or a load of laundry), and reminding ourselves that there truly is no danger in this moment. We can choose to focus on the simplicity and safety of this moment.

Self-care can seem a little “woo woo” and you may still be thinking, why would this help me overall.

Why we benefit from self-care:

• Self-care gives us a chance to show up for ourselves and encourages the healing narrative that we are worth taking the time for this
• Self-care slows our nervous system, allowing us to slow down and remind ourselves that we are safe in this moment despite what our worries tell us
• Self-care models for those around us that simple acts of care for ourselves are healthy and important. Our family, our children, and our friends see this. It not only models for others that this is important, but it also normalizes this in a society where we are always go-go-go!
• Self-care can feel like a task depending on what it is and where you are in your journey of healing. However, your future self will thank you!
• Self-care reduces burn out and compassion fatigue
• Self-care improves mood and lowers irritability
• Utilizing self-care, especially before bed, can improve quality of sleep and sleep hygiene

Examples of self-care:

• Reading a book
• Playing a board game
• Doing some yoga or meditation
• Journaling and self-reflecting
• Engaging in a craft, art project, coloring or baking
• Going for a walk
• Putting your phone on silent while you spend intentional time with loved ones or with yourself for quality alone time
• Taking a shower, doing laundry, cleaning up one corner or the room (things that your future-self will thank you for)
• Eating a balanced meal
• Focusing on the present moment while you engage in an activity

Self-care is such an important part of the balancing act that is being a functioning and maybe even thriving human being. It helps our mental health so much. There is a connection between our mental health and our physical health. Too often I hear of clients experiencing pain simply due to tension caused by stress and anxiety. Taking time to stretch and slow down, doing this self care, it positively impacts physical health as well!

I hope this read is helpful! A great place to start is choosing small moments. Taking just ten minutes a day to begin to show up for yourself and slow down can be so beneficial. I hope this inspires you and I you enjoy your self-care!