Prioritizing Self-Care Over Self-Maintenance in Times of Depression
Photo by Nelly Antoniadou on Unsplash
It's no secret that depression takes a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, but what about your physical health? Many people don't realize that depression can also affect your daily routine, including your beauty regimen. During times of depression, it may be difficult to keep up with a regular skincare or haircare routine. That's why it's important to prioritize self-care during those times and put your well-being first.
For me, one of the first things to go is my beauty routine. I used to be so diligent about moisturizing my skin, exfoliating twice a week, and using a face mask every Sunday night. But now, more often than not, I can't be bothered. And that's OKAY. In fact, it's more than okay — it's necessary. During times of depression, self-care should take priority over self-maintenance. Here are three reasons why...
1. Your mental health is more important than your physical appearance.
2. Taking care of yourself can actually help lift your mood, which may be difficult when you're feeling down.
3. Maintaining a beauty routine can feel like an added burden when you're already struggling with depression, so it's best to focus on your overall well-being instead.
Even something like brushing your teeth can seem like an impossible task, but I have found that sticking to the basics of taking care of myself can help that feeling of worthlessness that comes up during a depressive episode. Sometimes I think to myself, "you can't even do something as simple as brushing your teeth. Pathetic." But I am not. And neither are you.
So if you're feeling like depression is taking away your beauty routine, remember that it's OKAY to not care about the way you look. The most important thing is to prioritize self
Every second in which I am still alive is an accomplishment. So I couldn't cook myself dinner or wash my hair. So what? At least I managed to stay alive. I managed that. It is not pathetic to do the simplest of things.
How do you prioritize self-care over self-maintenance?
Recognize the difference between the two. Maintenance requires things that you don't really need like shaving, waxing, and other things you pay for to keep up appearances. Self-care is free and essential for your emotional and mental well-being such as getting enough sleep, eating, exercising if able, and talking with friends.
Focus on activities that nourish you. Even if it's just taking a walk around the block or reading one page of a book each day. Find things that help you feel rejuvenated and fulfilled without stressing yourself out too much.
Create a self-soothing list. Of course, this is extra work you may not have energy for. But during that rare occasion that you do, having one to reference can be helpful.
Things on my self-soothing list:
Watch a TV/Movie
Watch ASMIR Videos
Read
Cuddle with Spooky (my cat)
Take care of yourself above all else. Depression can make self-care seem like an impossible task, but it is far from it! Take the time to focus on what truly matters in life—your health and well-being. If a beauty routine does not fit into that equation right now, it is more than okay to take a break from it.
If sitting in bed all day and watching tv is self-soothing then do it. It is what you need to get where you want to be and there is never shame in that.
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