Phoebe offers self-love tips to improve our mental well-being this Valentine’s Day
ALBANY, Ga. – Happy Valentine’s Day, South Georgia. Today is a celebration of love in its many forms. A time to cherish the ones closest to you. But for some, today can be a difficult reminder of a form of love that is often overlooked. And, that is self-love.
As we juggle work, responsibilities, and caring for others, our own needs often take a backseat. But, neglecting self-care can lead to unhealthy habits that weigh on both your mind and your body, often in ways we don’t realize.
“You don’t know what any one person carries. So, like, for example, today’s Valentine’s Day and, you know, we take so much for granted. But what is this day about? Is it just for businesses to make money? Right. Or is it just another day for everyone else? You never know. You have to set the limits. You can’t help someone else if you don’t help yourself,” said Dr. Maria Jasinskas, Phoebe Behavioral Health, Psychiatrist.
Dr. Maria Jasinskas, a Psychiatrist at Phoebe Behavioral Health’s Outpatient Clinic, explains how neglecting self-love impacts brain function.
“Somebody that is going, going, going, going, going, going to take care of everyone else and then fails to take care of themselves, you actually use up the brain cell neurotransmitters that help the brain connect and function in the frontal parts of the lobe, especially that help you plan ahead and regulate your emotion. Passed stage two sleep into stage three or R.E.M., your brain cells can’t make the neurotransmitters that they need to reconnect. There is this miraculous thing that happens where it turns out and consolidates memory of the day before and actually produces endorphins that were used up the day before,” said Dr. Jasinskas.
Dr. Jasinskas shares heartfelt advice on the importance of prioritizing self-love.
“They say that if you look too far ahead, it’ll make you way too anxious. If you look too far behind, especially with regret, you’re going to get depressed. So, sometimes the other thing you can do is stay in the present. Don’t give yourself too much to do too fast and don’t be so hard on yourself. Try to be your best friend. Pat yourself on the back when no one else is. And, just do the best you can. It is good enough,” said Dr. Jasinskas.
A reminder today – taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
“Don’t quit and never give up. Don’t worry alone. But, stay in the fight. You never know if this is the day that you’re going to get past that hurdle. And, if you give up now, how are you going to know? Stay in the moment, take a deep breath in and just convince yourself that you’re going to get there and you’re going to get through this and you will. Your mind’s very powerful,” said Dr. Jasinskas.
De’Andra Jacobs reporting.
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