We learn early on to get the oil changed for our car every 3,000 miles, we get our teeth cleaned every 6 months, women should have an annual checkup and physical with an OBGYN, men should have annual physicals, and we schedule routine haircuts every 6-8 weeks. Doing all these things ensure that our things work properly, we stay healthy, and it's good to take preventative measures. In the long run, regular maintenance helps reduce the chances of headaches and frustration down the road. However, what about mental or emotional check-ups for yourself? Or what about maintenance sessions for your relationships?When was the last time you took a mental or emotional evaluation? If you answered never or it's been a long time, consider making an appointment with a trained mental health professional for a maintenance session. You already understand the benefits of maintaining other aspects of your life. Why not consider the benefits you will receive by giving a bit of attention to your mental and emotional needs?
If you are unsure of benefits, allow me to name a few. First, talking with someone outside of your family or friend group is beneficial. You will gain unbiased insight about yourself that perhaps you wouldn't receive from friends or family. Second, life is stressful and sometimes it takes a professional provider to support you in making small changes in your life that have significant impact. Third, self-care is important for enriching relationships. The way you feel affects how you function in your relationships. In addition, consider bringing your spouse or partner for a therapy session. The more people concentrating on self-care and making things run more smoothly, the greater likelihood things change more effectively and efficiently.
Answer the call for maintenance. It's time you focused on you as the next "to do."
