Many habits that support good physical health also support mental and emotional wellness. With a wide range of benefits, these simple self-care tips can help you stress less, lift your mood, and build resilience.

Move your body to lift your mood ~ Besides supporting physical health, exercise can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, sometimes as effectively as medications, and with no side effects. It can also reduce stress and enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Learn to witness ~ Meditation and mindfulness practices can help you develop the ability to observe difficult thoughts and emotional states without identifying with them and being swept away by them. There are numerous resources online. Mindful.org is a good place to start.

Unplug to recharge ~ Your phone needs time to recharge, and so does your brain. Disconnect from digital noise for some period each day. Before bedtime is an especially good time. It can help you clear your mind, tame stress, and sleep better.

Get enough sleep and stick to a routine ~ Lack of sleep affects your mood, mental sharpness, ability to focus, and memory. In general 7-8 hours sleep is recommended.  For a healthy routine, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Find your words and reach out ~ Be honest with your loved ones if you’re having a rough time. Ask your partner or a close friend to just listen, without giving advice, while you share what’s challenging. Cry when you need to. It releases tension and stuck energy. If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, it’s even more important to reach out, perhaps to a professional. You’re not alone, and there are resources that can help.

Stay connected ~ Connection with others is vital to physical and emotional well-being. When you can’t see people in person, stay close to family, friends, and communities via calls and online socializing. Sending a card or a caring hand-written letter in the mail can brighten someone’s day!

Get nurturing touch ~ Human beings need nurturing touch. It’s essential for health and well-being. If you’re not getting enough, try self-massage, trading shoulder or foot rubs, or getting professional bodywork.

At Massage Therapy Center Palo Alto, our expert therapists will help calm your nervous system and move you into deeper states of relaxation that are optimal for healing your body-mind. The rhythmic strokes and pressure applied to muscles, tissues, and organs help stimulate the circulatory systems to assist detox from stress-related chemicals and support the immune system. And aware, caring touch releases hormones that bring a sense of connection, peace, and well-being. This is why it’s so beneficial to make regular massage part of your self-care routine.