You're not alone; we are all living in exceptionally stressful times. Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing our thoughts, emotions, actions, decision-making, and interpersonal connections. It's not just about not having mental problems, but also a big part of being unhealthy and unhappy in life. This is precisely why establishing a dependable self-care regimen is crucial for maintaining your well-being. It's entirely normal to experience occasional spikes in anxiety, stress, or even feel mentally fatigued—it happens to the best of us.

 

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What self-care means, however, varies greatly depending not only on your individuality but also on the circumstances you're facing, the time you can dedicate, the stress-relief methods that work best for you, and what's financially feasible. Regardless of the form your self-care routine takes, the vital aspect is that it should rejuvenate you rather than drain your energy.

 

Psychologists play a crucial role in understanding and supporting the mental health of their clients. However, it's essential to recognise that these professionals are not immune to the challenges of maintaining their own mental well-being.  The demanding nature of their work, which often involves listening to clients' struggles and offering guidance in times of distress, can take a toll on their own psychological health. Just like anyone else, psychologists also need to pay attention to their emotional and psychological well-being to continue helping others effectively.

 

So, we spoke to two prominent mental health experts to understand how they take care of themselves. Mental health experts Dr. Shreya Charavarthy, Psychologist, URlife Studio, Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad and Dr. Shalini Anant, PhD, M.Phil - Clinical Psychology, Practicing trauma informed psychotherapy, Udaipur, Rajasthan generously share their top self-care tips, ideas, and activities, so you can begin making yourself a priority.

 

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1. Could you describe your daily routine, including work-related activities and personal time dedicated to self-care and relaxation?

Dr. Shreya Chakravarty

I work 6 days a week and my daily routine is proper sleep, proper food, and keeping myself physically active. I start my day with a morning routine that includes self-care practices such as meditation, exercise, or a healthy breakfast to help set a positive tone for the day. The morning might begin with administrative tasks, including checking emails, and scheduling appointments. I understand the importance of personal time for relaxation and self-care. My self care involves hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

 

Dr. Shalini Anant

I work 5 or 6 days a week. As a therapist, my work is to carry out individual, couple and family therapy. I do this only for a few hours on any working day. In addition I also do other work like supervising and training my fellow mental health professionals which happens 2- 8 hours a week depending upon whether a training program is going on or not. Before I start work in the morning, I either go for a walk or practice yoga for a little more than an hour, which is really refreshing especially because my work requires a lot of sitting. I make it a point to have a healthy breakfast before starting work.

 

2. Given the potentially high-stress nature of your profession, how do you manage stress in your daily life?

Dr. Shreya Chakravarty

Reflecting on the day's client sessions and planning for the next day can help me maintain a balanced workload. At the end of the day, I do introspection; There is a checklist of the day that needs to be done. I mull over what all things or tasks are done or what all preparations I have to do for the next day. I do journaling as well to keep stress at bay. I end my day with proper meditation for 15-20 minutes.

 

Dr. Shalini Anant

The work is stressful and demanding but also, believe me, it is extremely satisfying to see and to hear people say that their life has significantly changed for the better. The stress is more manageable because I am part of several peer support groups. I also take supervision, which is a healthy practice in our field. Also because I, and many other therapists I respect, are constantly learning to keep ourselves abreast with the newest forms of therapy, it helps us feel quite empowered knowing that there are multiple ways of being helpful with our clients. This really helps prevent stress.

 

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3. What specific self-care practices or rituals do you engage in regularly to maintain your mental and emotional well-being?

Dr. Shreya Chakravarty

I do self care and pamper myself a lot. At the end of the day, I do a complete self care routine for face, skin care as well as aromatherapy. One important factor that I personally incorporate in my daily life is keeping a positive attitude while dealing with stress everyday. 

 

Dr. Shalini Anant

After my sessions with clients, I do other things like attend a course in either a therapy related topic or sometimes things which are totally different like Bhagwad Geeta or Ashtavakra Geeta. Besides studying and working I also have a lot of fun daily either watching a movie or series or playing a game of scrabble. These, in addition to cooking and enjoying delicious and healthy food, spending time with my loved ones, are my stressbusters. Sometimes if I do not feel like cooking, I eat out or order in. Occasionally I love to indulge myself at a spa.

 

4. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and ensure that you have time for yourself and your loved ones?

Dr. Shreya Chakravarty

To prevent burnout, I rely on mindfulness, meditation and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Being a mental health professional, I make sure that I do not reach the stage of burnout. I try to solve all issues as soon as possible.

 

Dr. Shalini Anant

I think it is very important to be disciplined and yet be kind to oneself. For example, I love my morning walks, but if I have attended a course till late in the night, I do not hesitate to turn off my morning alarm, miss my walk and instead sleep in. I do not like rigidity in my routine. Like all humans there are tough times. Like for all humans, tough times do not stay forever - I always try to remember this.

 

5. What kind of support systems or networks do you find most helpful in your journey towards better mental health?

Dr. Shreya Chakravarty

I have a very strong support system when it comes to my friend. Most of my friend circle comprises psychologists, so my fellow psychologists who are also my good friends and are a good support system for me. Being a psychologist, I too need some emotional support when in problem, so I reach out to them for mental support. 

 

Dr. Shalini Anant

Spending time with friends and family encourages emotional connections and provides a support system.

 

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Benefits of Incorporating Self- Care

The advantages of emphasising self-awareness and dedicating time to nourishing your body are truly transformative. 

• Integrating self-care practices into your daily routine is not only essential for your mental well-being, which indicates that the more we engage in self-care activities, the greater our confidence, creativity, and productivity become. 
• Furthermore, self-care enables us to experience more joy, make improved decisions, cultivate stronger relationships, and enhance our communication skills.

 

There is no one-size-fits-all, right, or superior approach when it comes to crafting your self-care routine. Prioritising wellness and mental health means doing whatever brings you joy and relaxation. For some individuals, this might mean indulging in a rom-com while relaxing in a bubble bath with a glass of wine in hand. Others may find solace in whipping up a dessert, testing their strength through a workout, connecting with an online therapist, taking a peaceful solo stroll around the neighbourhood, or treating themselves to what makes them feel good. For some, it's all about lighting a beautifully scented candle and dedicating an hour to reading, working on a jigsaw puzzle, or journaling. To be honest, it could even involve taking a moment to appreciate yourself.

 

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In conclusion, taking care of your mental health is not something to overlook. It's essential for living a fulfilling life and maintaining overall well-being. Whether you're seeking guidance on managing stress, coping with anxiety or depression, or simply looking to improve your mental health, remember that help is available.

 

At UR.Life Studios, we offer a complete multi-disciplined approach to fitness and well-being. The URLife Studio is a luxe wellness oasis, combining sleek modern design, lavish amenities, state-of-the-art equipment and personalised wellness programs. UR.LIFE studio, where professionals are dedicated to providing support, therapy, and valuable insights to help you on your journey towards better mental health. Don't hesitate to reach out and prioritise your mental well-being—you deserve to live a healthy and happy life.