Even if we’re more comfortable today with the idea of therapy, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody. Some can’t afford it, some are too nervous, or some live in households where the idea is still unheard of due to cultural biases. There’s also teletherapy or online mental health services, but that isn’t always the most effective option. We all need help, whether we admit it or not, so sometimes self-therapy is the best thing we can do for ourselves. When you don’t think anyone else can be there for you, be there for yourself. It might be tough to know where to start, but here are some strategies that have helped me find my peace.
1. Journaling
Journaling can simply be a way to let out your overwhelming thoughts and feelings. For the things you don’t feel comfortable saying to others, the times you can’t stop thinking about something, or whenever you don’t know what you think, just write it out. There is an amazing amount of clarity you can find just by releasing your emotions in a healthy way and maybe even finding out more about yourself at the same time. Think about your inner voice. Whether you’re alone or with other people, you have a constant stream of thoughts running through your brain. When you start journaling, you allow yourself to sort through everything that might be crowding your mind because you put it on paper instead. The thoughts might stay with you, but having them on paper makes it easier to go back and reflect on what makes them so important to you. If you can’t talk to someone else, journaling will give you the perfect opportunity to sort out and work through issues on your own or until you are able to talk to someone.
2. Take Yourself on a Date
Romantic or platonic dates are fun, but have you ever thought about romancing yourself? Taking yourself on a date can be a great way to feel more grounded and be more comfortable with yourself. Like any other date, you get to choose whatever you want to do— just make sure you’re alone for this one! Visit somewhere you’ve always wanted to, go to the movie theater and sneak in your favorite snacks, make yourself a picnic in the park. Appreciate yourself as an individual so you can appreciate your value as a part of your community, your family, your friend group, or to your romantic partner. You will feel better and so will they when they see the changes made by your journey to self-love and self-improvement. Treat yourself the way you want other people to treat you.
3. Self-Care
This one is pretty popular now, but self-care involves a wide variety of ideas from practicing good hygiene to reading a book to taking a walk through nature. Really, you practice self-care every time you do something that is good for your mental or physical health. Taking care of yourself is vital to maintaining your sense of confidence, security, and worth. When you don’t take care of yourself, you tend to be less motivated, feel less confident, and worry the people around you. Even doing small things like yoga in the morning or listening to your favorite music can dramatically change your mood and your perception of the world and yourself. The main takeaway from this one is to do what’s good for you. This doesn’t always mean “do what makes you happy,” but ideally it can be both.
4. Declutter
Ever heard the phrase, “cluttered house, cluttered mind”? That’s really not too far from the truth since clutter is yet another addition to your list of worries. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, take a look at the space around you. Maybe there are a few things out of place, maybe you could take out the trash, or maybe it’s just time for a change. Cleaning might not be the first thing on your to-do list, but it might make the other tasks easier once you take away a point of stress. If your space is clean, you could even rearrange something around you for a new feeling. Seeing something that makes you unhappy can make life feel a little harder, so why not take a moment to do something that makes you feel happier or, at the very least, productive.
Like I said, regular therapy isn’t always an option or even a preference for some people. If this is the case for you, be sure to look out for yourself and try some of these strategies to help ease your mind. Be patient, be consistent, and be kind to yourself. Find your balance and find your peace.