Have you ever heard the saying; you can’t pour from an empty cup?
Life can get busy making it hard to find a moment for ourselves. As a result, everyday stresses can build up which can empty our ‘cup’. In short bursts, we can handle stress but like an elastic band, you can only be stretched so far before experiencing some detrimental effects like burnout, depression or anxiety which can have significant consequences on our mental and physical wellbeing. But don’t worry, once we know what works to refill our cup it’s easier to incorporate them into a routine which can protect us from feeling depleted.
The constant go of life can pull us in different directions and stretch us thin, making us feel emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. A device cannot run on low charge, and neither can we. Taking time out to fill your cup by nurturing yourself can help you cope and manage the stress of everyday life. Taking this time is not selfish but an essential element to check in and take care of yourself.
Sometimes to take care of others is it necessary to take the time to care for ourselves, in other words, to help others, we first need to fill our cup.
Really simple activities can help us refill our cup. Even committing to just a couple of minutes, a day can make a big difference. Practising these kinds of self-care can help create healthy coping mechanisms for when you feel overwhelmed. Filling your cup permits you to slow down for a moment and de-stress which allows us to take a step back from the demands of life and reset.
So here are a few things you can try to replenish your ‘cup’.
Taking care of your physical health is an important element in taking care of yourself. You can try incorporating the following tasks into your routine to nourish your body:
- Go for a walk outside
- Regular exercise
- Get sufficient sleep
- Drink enough water
- Balanced diet
- Yoga
- Practice mindful eating
- Stretching for five minutes
- Take time to truly rest
Another important element to refilling your cup is ensuring you are taking care of your mental and emotional health and allowing yourself time to relax and decompress from the daily stresses. Below are a few suggestions you can try to nourish your emotional and mental health:
- Call someone who makes you happy
- Learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby
- Make time to see friends and family
- Cook your favourite meal
- Plan a holiday
- Disconnect for a bit with music, books, and films
- Meditate or practice mindfulness
- Journal what you are grateful for
- Practice breath work
- Hug someone you love
- Ask yourself if you need to take a break from social media
- Allow yourself to say no
Time is precious so it is important to fill it when you can with things that help replenish your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It may take some time and consistency to feel the benefits, but it is worth investing this time in yourself to fill your cup and make sure it stays full.
If you would like to talk to us about psychological therapy you can email us at hello@nepsychology.co.uk, call 07870 241970 or use the contact page. We are experienced Clinical Psychologists offering a range of psychological therapies.
