“I know I should take better care of myself… I just don’t have the energy.”
We hear this often, and we get it.
More and more clients are coming into therapy exhausted, not just from working long hours and feeling challenged by day-to-day tasks, but from the reality of having invested little time into their own personal wellbeing.
While many of us recognize the importance of engaging self-care in supporting our mental health and in helping us refuel after a long day, we often feel at a loss as to where begin.
Common barriers that prevent us from engaging include:
- Not having the time for self-care
- Experiencing low motivation or energy after or before a busy day
- Feeling guilty taking the time
- Stuck as to where to begin
Here are a few tips to help you overcome barriers to self-care.
1) Time can often be a real barrier to self-care especially when life gets busy. It’s important to prioritize quality versus quantity of time spent looking after your needs. In other word, focus on small acts that bring big relief, and pleasure into your day (e.g., indulging in a latte, going for a 5-minute run).
2) Many of us feel exhausted after a day of juggling different responsibilities and have little motivation. Have a think about activities that are both easy and feel good. To build motivation, try leading with your ‘wants’ rather than your ‘shoulds.’
3) Guilt. The safety guideline of placing an oxygen mask on ourselves before attending to others rings especially true when it comes to our mental health. It is important to attend to our emotional needs before we can truly show up for others (i.e., at work, home, or with our loved ones).
If you are feeling stuck or at a loss as to where to begin, we suggest starting small. Try setting five minutes aside for an activity that brings a sense of accomplishment, pleasure or peace.
At Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic, we are a Toronto based psychology clinic providing support to both adolescents and adults as they navigate their mental health journey.
Contact us for a 15-minute consultation call to develop an understanding of how we can best support you.
Navigating mental health concerns and life stressors can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Discover tailored therapy that provides actionable strategies to ease your anxiety and help you find balance. Take the first step—contact our Toronto psychology clinic today.
