September Self-Care for Mental Health
Introduction
As September begins, many of us feel the call to reset and refocus. Only four months remain before 2025 ends. This Mental Wellness Month presents a wonderful opportunity to set mindful intentions, slow down, refocus, and incorporate self-care into our daily routines.
September, being the symbolic start of a new season, encourages many to reassess their habits, renew commitments, and prioritise self-care. This makes it an ideal month to cultivate lasting positive change in mindset and lifestyle.
Why Setting Intentions Matter?
Intentions act as a compass for our actions and thoughts.
Our founder, Vaibhavi, being a Jain, speaks about how Jains set intentions during their holy period, Paryushan, to live minimally and mindfully. Unlike strict and rigid goals, intentions focus on the ‘why’ behind what we do, helping us align with our values and cultivate mindfulness.
Setting intentions is all about being mindful of our actions, words and our journey. By making conscious choices, we engage ourselves as we open the door to meaningful change.
Benefits of Setting Intentions and How Traditional Goals Differ from them
Traditional goals were always outcome-focused and specific, such as exercising three times a week or walking daily. Intentions focus more on an individual’s mindset, values, and the reasons behind their actions, such as, ‘I want to nurture my body with movement that feels good.’
This subtle shift benefits our mental and emotional psyche.
- It encourages Mindfulness and Presence: intentions invite ongoing internal awareness rather than fixation on external achievements.
- It reduces feelings of Failure: intentions are flexible and value-based; your behaviours and thoughts are more accountable here; and thus, adjustments are easier.
- It enhances Motivation: aligning intentions with one’s personal values can fuel intrinsic motivation, making sustainable change more likely.
- It supports Emotional Regulation: intentions foster compassion and patience within oneself, supporting resilience during setbacks.
When you set an intention, you engage in a process of deep self-exploration to understand how you want to show up in the world.
How Intention Setting Works?
Our values shift over time. Naturally, our intentions shift as well! That’s why intention setting is less about perfection and more about reflection.
It encourages us to ask questions like,
“How do I want to live?”
“What qualities do I want to embody?” and
“How do I want to relate to others and the world around me?”
The answers help us stay true to our authentic selves, even as we navigate life’s complexities.
Remember: Intention Setting is not a one-time practice.
Intentions work when we choose to focus on a specific state of being that we wish to embody. This process can include reflection, meditation, or visualisation. Over time, your inner focus becomes visible in your outer reality. The beauty lies in the flexibility, you can revise intentions anytime to match your growth.
3 Powerful and Beautiful Intentions for September
Setting mindful intentions is a deeply personal process, as the most powerful intentions are those that truly speak to one’s individual journey and aspirations.
- I make a conscious effort to prioritise my Mental, Emotional and Physical Health.
This intention builds self-awareness, which is essential for coping and growth. Take a moment each day to tune in to your emotional, mental and physical state, whether through journaling, meditation, or introspection. Think about what self-care practices you can make a part of your daily routine.
- I choose to express my thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.
We often criticise ourselves over the smallest of mistakes. It’s quite easy to be harsh with ourselves, especially during struggles. Replacing Self-criticism with kindness and remind yourself that mistakes and setbacks are a part of life. They are not indicators of failure or unworthiness.
- I prioritise building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Healthy relationships are the bedrock of a fulfilled life. Prioritise spending quality time with your loved ones. Prioritise taking digital breaks to enjoy the present moment while connecting with people. Try scheduling weekly check-ins with a friend or even your therapist.
Note: Sometimes, intentions set out of obligation or external expectations lack the power to bring about real change.
How to Set Effective and Mindful Intentions?
Setting intentions is not the same as setting goals or resolutions. A few steps that you can follow to set mindful and impactful intentions:
- Take some uninterrupted time to reflect: Find a peaceful corner in your house and ground yourself with some breathwork. Calm yourself down and connect with yourself. Connect with your values. Ask yourself: Is there a void I feel in my life? Are there certain qualities missing? Are my core values evolving? Do I feel more connected to some than others?
- Be specific yet keep an open mind: Craft intentions with clarity, and focus on how you would want to feel or the qualities you would wish to embody based on the reflections you had. There’s no need to rush through any step or be extremely rigid or specific about the result.
- Write it down in optimism: Frame your intentions in a positive language, just like a positive affirmation. Writing your intention on a paper makes it more tangible and serves as a reminder of your commitment.
- Incorporate it into your daily routine: Find moments throughout your day to remind yourself of your intention. It could be through mindfulness meditation, journaling before bed, reading affirmations in the morning, or simply taking a break and pausing to reflect.
By following these steps actively, you can set intentions that guide you towards a more mindful and fulfilling life.
Trust the process and be open to the journey
Therapist Tips for Making Intentions Stick
- Write it down to solidify your commitment. Therapists often recommend using a journal to articulate your intentions clearly and concisely. Jotting things down brings clarity and make your goals feel more tangible.
- Using gentle reminders as supportive cues, not pressure. Setting alarms or calendar notifications for daily check-ins or scheduling time for self-care activities acts as a helpful nudge. Choose a compassionate reminder instead of guilt-tripping yourself if you ever miss a day.
- You can engage your support system for accountability and encouragement. Sharing your affirmations and intentions with either a trusted friend, family member, or any other support group creates a sense of connection and motivation. It is observed that community support significantly improves adherence to wellness goals.
- Embrace flexibility and self-kindness. Intentions are meant to guide you and your journey, not enslave you or make you feel critical about yourself. If you do miss a day or need to adjust your journey, pause and gently return without judgment. This self-compassion fosters resilience and sustainable progress.
Conclusion
Creating a routine for setting intentions can transform your self-care. Remember, self-care isn’t a one-time event, but a lifelong practice. As the new season begins, try embracing September as a time for renewal with a compassionate and intentional approach to mental wellness.
As September unfolds, embrace it as a season of renewal. Set your intentions. Care for your well-being. Strengthen your relationships. And join a community that supports your growth!
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At The Blue Therapy, we believe that setting mindful intentions and embracing self-care are powerful steps toward lasting mental wellness. If you’re ready to make September a month of positive change, our team is here to support you with personalised guidance, practical tips, and compassionate encouragement.
Reach out today to begin your journey—let’s build your healthiest, most resilient self together!
