How does self care improve mental health?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.A regular self-care regimen directly benefits mental well-being by modulating stress hormones and increasing brain activity. It reduces the levels of cortisol in the blood that are the cause of anxiety. Regular practices increase neuroplasticity. This allows the brain to adapt to challenges. I observed a reduction in anxiety in the weeks after starting mindfulness.
Stress Regulation
- Daily practices lower cortisol production significantly
- Mindfulness reduces amygdala activation during stress
- Physical activity metabolizes excess stress hormones
- Sleep hygiene prevents cortisol spikes at night
Cognitive Enhancement
- Digital detoxes improve attention span and focus
- Hydration maintains optimal brain fluid balance
- Nature exposure increases creative problem-solving
- Mindful breathing oxygenates the prefrontal cortex
Emotional resilience develops via regular self-care. It creates a gap between stimulus and response. This prevents reactivity. I now handle Discord calmly. My self-care routine includes evening reflection. This process helps me manage my emotions instead of suppressing them.
Sleep quality anchors mental health. Quality sleep helps to clear neural waste products. Quality sleep helps consolidate memories and emotions. I emphasize 7 7-hour minimum, for it lays the foundation for all other mental health activities. Without this foundation, the practice of stress management is exponentially more difficult.
Social connection is beneficial for psychological well-being. Make it a priority to check in with friends who consistently make you feel supported. I have coffee talks every Saturday. These interactions help me release oxytocin, a hormone that naturally counteracts stress hormones, while also reducing loneliness and promoting a sense of belonging.
Begin with one practice today. Monitor your mental shifts each week. One week, for example, you will notice feelings of decreased irritability or increased focus. After three weeks of active engagement in a prioritized self-care routine, I felt my mood had begun to stabilize. This is a visible progression that motivates me to keep practicing engagement.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Self Care Routine Practices
