My Favorite Self-Care Activities: Part 3 of 3

Here are the last few self-care activities that benefit me and help keep me from sliding back into another bipolar episode.

In case you missed the last 2 posts: 

Here’s Part One.

Here’s Part Two.

You’re welcome. ?

Staying connected to church.

There are many attractive benefits to being a part of a church community. Not only am I fed spiritually (when the Bible is preached well in a way I can understand and learn from/be corrected with/be challenged by), I get to connect socially. While there is always room for improvement in any church (and of course there is no perfect church), I appreciate being able to contribute to a larger cause.

Being active in serving God and others by singing on the worship team, or playing keyboard, teaching VBS or Sunday school, taking turns with others to watch the kiddos in nursery…there are so many ways to get involved and feel purposeful! Using my talents, time, energy and gifts to build up others encourages my outlook and blesses me when I sacrificially give.

Just knowing there is a time during the weekend that will refresh and realign my heart and spirit to God’s truth and His family makes it something to look forward to. I’m especially excited to eventually be facilitating a Fresh Hope for Mental Health support group at our church in the fall. I can’t wait to see how God uses this ministry and brings people together to help those struggling with their mental health. It’s going to be such a blessing!

Working a purposeful job.

I may not be employed at the moment, but I’ve realized that having a steady 9-5 job is a good thing. God put Adam and Eve in the garden to tend it, and so the story of mankind goes…we are made to work. I have been fortunate and blessed in such a way that my SMI (Severe Mental Illness) has impacted my ability to work minimally, and I don’t take it for granted. Having steady employment for the last 6 years has really kept me on task and focused.

Currently, I miss interacting with people on a daily basis – I go stir-crazy at home by myself with no one around to talk to. I think I’m going to have to find at least a part time job here soon, but continue to pursue my goals on books, blog and speaking ministry. There is so much power and value in a job that gives you confidence, experience, growth opportunities, and a steady income.

Taking care of my personal preferences (hygiene, makeup, hair, clothes).

• Hygiene. It’s important and can tend to be a struggle with those with mental health conditions. Honestly, my least favorite thing to do is shower. I know – gross — but I promise I do it at least every three days, and each day that I work out! Keeping on top of my self-care for hygiene is always beneficial and outweighs the cost of time and resources (my showers are usually 2 minutes long, unless I have to wash my hair and shave, which can add another 5-15 minutes). I also take good care of my face with decent skin care products (I use Neutrogena face wash, Loreal Revita-lift moisturizer with sunscreen). This may be another secret, aside from my 9+ hours of sleep a night, that equals people mistaking me for 5 years younger!
• My makeup routine. This is important to me as well, since my mental health has improved and I have tried different makeup products through the years. When I was sick and probably the first 3 years of my marriage, I barely took care of my face, let alone used makeup. Now it’s just a daily routine to help enhance my features and help me feel good about myself. Watching friends or cousins and YouTube tutorials is also fun and easy to do to learn other techniques that can make features stand out.
• Hair. I have a lot of it! – is usually maintained when I am not sick (many of my years growing up I would always put it in a ponytail ‘cause it is just so wavy and voluminous = Princess Mia before the makeover). Now that I’ve grown it out longer over the years, I have learned I like it at the length it’s at now and can manage it better because of how I style it (usually blow out with hairdryer and brush, then quick hot iron). Of course, I’ll protect the hair with a heat-protectant spray and apply before the heat tools.
• Clothing. I’d say my style is eclectic – though mostly casual and comfortable. I am fairly low maintenance and thus heels are for special occasions and Sundays. But I value clean outfits that are comfortable, and appropriate fitting clothes that complement my skin and hair color tones. For most of my clothes I shop at Ross (for shoes, jackets, sweaters, jeans), Old Navy (for tops, casual jackets), or Maurices (dressier tops, pants, shoes), Marshalls/TJ Maxx (anything but especially polos), and Walmart (most pants and khakis). I’m not a fan of most fast fashion, so I stay away from what looks like a cotton/acrylic blend for tops (I will inevitably get those little pinholes in the front of my cheap tees) and I know V-cut necks for shirts are the best for my body type.

So there you have it: 9 of my favorite self-care activities that help keep me sane and forever young! (So how old do you think I really am?) Hehe… ?

Stay brave and bold,

Katie