Maintenance Self-Care is Preventative Care!
Just like a car needs regular oil changes and maintenance, it’s essential to treat your mind and body the same way. I know I might sound like a health guru or be preaching to the choir here, but honestly, regular check-ins on your well-being practices are crucial for maintaining your health and stability.
I’ll never forget being 20 years old in 2009, when my mental health was in shambles. Back then, it felt so taboo to talk about these struggles, let alone seek help. Long story short, my mental health hit rock bottom before it started to improve. During that time, a close family friend gave me invaluable advice while I was receiving care: “Even when you start feeling like yourself again, schedule monthly therapy appointments.” This stuck with me because life is unpredictable, and crises can arise when you least expect them. Having an ongoing relationship with a therapist means you don’t have to start from scratch or reintroduce yourself to someone new during tough times. It allows your therapist to have a continuous understanding of your life, helping them spot symptoms early and teach you coping skills to use when challenges arise.
I can’t stress this enough: maintenance self-care is preventative care. It’s like going to the dentist - not everyone loves it, and it can feel like a hassle, so it’s easy to put off. But if you skip a few appointments, you might end up with bigger problems like cavities or root canals. For me, I relate this idea to my mental well-being and therapy, but it applies to any self-care practice. Regular check-ins, whether monthly or weekly, help you assess what’s going well and what might need more attention. Being proactive keeps your momentum going and planning ahead ensures you’re prepared when life gets tough.
Leaning on support systems or finding accountability partners can make a huge difference. For instance, I used to drive two hours for mental health appointments. I hated the thought of it at first, but I reframed the experience. I’d bring a friend along, and we’d grab food somewhere fun afterward. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have a strong support system. If you feel like you’re lacking that, seek it out or try to create it.
Recently, at 36, I’ve also started to appreciate the power of setting goals. This ties into the idea of maintenance because it forces you to ask: What does being healthy and well mean to me? What goals would you like to achieve when you’re at your best? Maybe it’s something as simple as being kind to yourself or making a new friend. Taking the time to problem-solve and make your goals into actionable steps is key to achieving them. As a visual thinker, I’ve found that writing down my plans not only keeps me organized but also feels like putting those intentions out into the universe. I believe this is a form of manifesting, and with a strong action plan, you can make it happen.
I get it - focusing on your health or well-being can be hard work. Sometimes it feels easier to avoid it all, to zone out on your phone, or let the days pass. But honestly, what’s the alternative? For someone who, at times, questioned their existence, I now want to live my life to the fullest with whatever time I have left.
Sending love and brain hugs,
Jilly 💛
