As we live in such a busy world, we are often so busy getting things done and looking after others that we forget to take time out for ourselves. Now when you find yourself tired you probably wish you could go back in time and tell your younger self to enjoy the carefree life of a kid because “adulting” is certainly not all that it’s made out to be.

However, despite your busy adult life duties you need to invest in self-care. And just to clarify self-care does not mean lighting a candle and taking a bubble bath every once in a while as relaxing as that might be. True self-care requires consistency: an effort made by you every single day to reflect upon you and your emotions. This opportunity to reflect on yourself and take time out alone just for you can help you better learn to deal with or work through difficult emotions such as grief.

Self-care can also involve doing things that assist in the management of mental health issues. There is a wide range of self-care methods but unlike in the movies self-care is not retail therapy or a one-time activity but a concerted effort put in regularly to look after oneself.

So how do you get started on investing in looking after yourself? Well, you could begin by checking out these awesome podcasts:

1.    The One You Feed

Fair warning: This podcast is not related to food!

Now that we have cleared up, this podcast created by Eric Zimmer and Chris Forbes is actually inspired by an old idea that states that we have one good wolf and one bad wolf within us; over time one of the wolves within us gets stronger depending on which one we feed. So for example reacting angrily and out of proportion would feed your bad wolf whereas staying calm and assertive would feed your good wolf.

Now that you understand the logic behind the podcast’s name you can appreciate the simple concept that lies behind its creators’ aim to help you create a better life worth living. Eric Zimmer and Chris Forbes talk to mental health experts and enlighten listeners about the various ways in which they can choose to feed their good wolf. Even more inspiring is the fact that Eric Zimmer was once a heroin addict who has now become a certified behavioral coach so he definitely knows what he is talking about when it comes to mental health.

2.    Griefcast

Hosted by comedian, Cariad Lloyd, this podcast is the perfect blend between being sober and funny. Griefcast talks about feelings of intense sadness and loss as well as how to deal with such feelings. Lloyd hosts popular media personalities who share their experiences of dealing with the loss of their loved ones. Her podcast helps create a sense of belonging and validation for those who have lost someone since only someone who has lost a beloved person such as a parent, sibling or child can understand another’s sense of loss.

In the time of Covid-19 this podcast is an even greater blessing as many families have suffered difficult losses along with the extra trauma of not being able to meet the departed due to the nature of the illness. Lloyd’s aim is to make sure that no one leaves her podcast feeling worse and for the most part she seems to succeed in doing exactly that.

3.    Self Care IRL

This podcast hosted by the popular Ty Alexander aims to inspire you to approach each day with a Carpe Diem attitude irrespective of your past and current life issues or circumstances. Ty opens up about her personal life and true to the podcast’s name the lifestyle blogger keeps things real. We hope that with the strategies and practices discussed on this podcast you can find better ways to become the best version of yourself. With CenturyLink internet you never need to worry about buffering either as you listen to your podcast in peace anywhere in your house.

4.    She’s All Fat

We have all heard of the saying “she’s all that,” but this podcast which talks about bodies other than the ideal type makes an interesting twist on the saying by naming itself “She’s All Fat.” In an age where we are being subject to ever higher expectations in terms of our body’s image an increasing number of people are beginning to suffer with body image/dysmorphia.

This results in eating disorders and other issues such as not being able to love yourself for who you are. She’s all Fat addresses issues of self-love around thicker bodies, very skinny bodies and people with disabilities. So be sure to check out Sophie and April’s podcast for some serious body positivity.

5.    Terrible, Thanks for Asking

Too often we get asked, “How are you?” and our brain on cue automatically replies, “I’m fine, thank you.” You may not be doing fine, but you know your boss was just being polite when he asked how you are doing so you give him the standard you’re alright for a reply. However, Nora McInerny, the host of Terrible, Thanks for Asking invites real people to honestly answer the question, “How are you?” She does not want to beat around the bush, but instead wants to dive headfirst into uncomfortable topics to talk about how people are “real-ly” doing.

You’ll be happy to know that there are many people out there struggling with all the same issues you do especially in these trying times with the pandemic and the collateral damage caused by the pandemic to all of our lives.

6.    The Gratitude Diaries

Janice Kaplan hosts the podcast, The Gratitude Diaries, which is based on research and personal experiences about how expressing gratitude can positively influence various aspects of your life. Did you know that being grateful to your partner for all they do can actually lead to changes in your brain’s neurons.  Also did you know that saying thank you could make a big difference when it comes to achieving a happier life and success.

So never underestimate the power of gratitude and follow Janice’s weekly podcasts that bring you easy tips and strategies you can apply in your everyday life to express gratitude.

All Things Considered

Your physical, emotional and mental health are all extremely important so be sure to look up these podcasts to help you live a healthier and happier life even if times are hard.