Today’s iScribe blog is a guest contribution by Lance from Free Lance Now. The start of a new year tends to bring a lot of new business for freelancers, so it’s important that we look after ourselves and our stress levels. This article focuses on some great self-care tips for freelancers and other creative professionals. Enjoy!
Do you feel like your mental health has been suffering recently? As a freelancer, do you spend a lot of time in your own head while you work? If you haven’t had opportunities to practice self-care, you might be feeling exhausted, anxious, or depressed. You don’t have to feel guilty for taking time out of your schedule for self-care – whether it’s a yoga class or a quick nap after a long workday, you deserve to relax. If you’re ready to prioritize your mental health, here are some self-care tips that might benefit you.
Stress-Reduction Strategies
Stress is just a fact of life, and if you’re busy balancing freelance jobs, domestic responsibilities, and other obligations, there’s a strong chance that you’re dealing with chronic stress. That’s why stress-reduction techniques are so crucial for maintaining your mental health.
VeryWellMind states that exercise can reduce your levels of stress hormones and help you become more resilient in the face of challenges. If you’re looking to start a fitness routine, give yoga classes a try. In addition, you only need a few minutes per day to meditate or write a short journal entry – these habits can help you become more mindful and let go of negative thoughts. Last but definitely not least, keep your home as neat and clean as possible; too much clutter has been shown to increase your stress levels.
Organize Your Finances
Enduring financial stress, especially as a freelancer, can take a toll on your mental health and contribute to anxiety. If you’re worried about your financial situation, it’s time to make a realistic budget and cut back on unnecessary spending. You can save money by cooking at home instead of going out to eat, shopping at thrift stores, and getting entertainment through your local library rather than pricey subscription services.
If you’re a homeowner, refinancing your home is another great way to free up cash. This decreases the equity in your home, and you can lower your monthly mortgage payments and use the money for projects like renovations.
Get More Sleep
A lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health. It’s a difficult cycle to break out of, because stress and anxiety can leave you tossing and turning, making it harder to get into a regular sleep routine and get the rest you need. To get more sleep, Brigham Health Hub recommends sticking to a consistent bedtime routine, making sure your room is completely dark, and setting a comfortable temperature.
Start Saying “No”
Maybe you feel like you need to say “yes” every time someone asks you for help or offers you a freelancing opportunity. You worry that if you refuse someone’s request for assistance, whether it’s from a coworker or from a friend, they’ll feel like you let them down. But saying “no” when you don’t have the capacity to help someone is definitely a form of self-care. Getting used to turning down requests can genuinely boost your mental health.
Natural Health Remedies
Sometimes, trying out natural remedies for mild anxiety can be effective. For instance, using a diffuser with lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood essential oils can be soothing when you’re feeling worried, while oils like peppermint can lift your mood on a rough day! In addition, sipping on a warm mug of green tea can also support brain health and improve your spirits. However, it’s important to note that if you’re struggling with severe symptoms of a mental health condition, it’s always best to seek professional support and treatment.
If your schedule is always packed, you might feel like it’s hard to justify spending time on self-care. But everyone needs certain self-care rituals to manage their mental health, especially if they spend a lot of time by themselves. By incorporating some of these self-care tips and habits into your weekly routines, you can feel more energized and confident!
Thanks for such an awesome article, Lance! The point about learning how to say no is something I really need to start working on myself.
Readers, which of these self-care tips resonated with you the most?
✨
Katelyn
THINK | WRITE | CREATE
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