With May being National Mental Health Month, it’s a good time to talk about you and how important it is that you care of yourself. Our days are busy and continue to get busier; it’s easy to let our mental health go by the wayside. After all, there’s so many other things to worry about each day, right? Wrong, your mental health is just as important as anything else you have going on so let’s make sure you give it the attention YOU deserve.
Try to keep an active lifestyle and by active, we don’t mean the constant running you do in the way of errands, kids sporting events, cheer practice, etc. When we say “keep an active lifestyle” we mean exercise - you absolutely have to squeeze some exercise into your days. Going to the gym isn’t the only option either. Gardening, light housework such as doing laundry, dusting and even vacuuming can keep you active.Exercising keeps your brain healthy, can boost your self-esteem, and give your mental health a break. Try to make physical activity (that you enjoy) part of your day.
Take up a hobby; do something you’re good at. Surely there is an activity you love doing, something that helps you relax and puts your mind at ease. Whatever that is, do it. Enjoying yourself and concentrating some of your time on a hobby helps reduce stress levels. If you like crossword puzzles, crocheting, woodworking or anything of the sort, set some time aside for it. Afterwards, you (physically) and you (mentally) will feel fulfilled and recharged.
You’re busy, actually, you’re swamped. Your days seem to run one into the next and so on. Don’t let this become a regular thing; you need to stop and take a break once in a while. If taking a break means laying on the couch for 30-minutes, then do it. If it means meditating for 15-minutes, then do it. If it means a 1-hour lunch break with your co-workers you don’t normally take, then do it. Just a few minutes can be all you need to de-stress and give your mental wellbeing a much-needed reboot. Make sure you listen to your body when it tells you to unwind.
Probably the hardest thing for each of us to do is ask for help. We’d rather be tired and overwhelmed than ask someone to help us. This can result in a mental meltdown. If you feel like having someone to talk to would be beneficial to you, then go for it. Make plans with a friend, family member, or set up an appointment with a counselor. A listening ear can often ease your mental anguish. And remember, if you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, just ask for help. There are plenty of people, organizations, and services available to help you when and how you need it. Your mental health is worth asking and you are not alone.
At Touchette Regional Hospital, our compassionate behavioral healthcare staff is available when you need us. Maintaining your mental health is critically important to your overall wellbeing. Having said that, mental health problems touch everyone in all walks of life - it doesn’t discriminate. We can help you if and when you need us. To learn more about our behavioral health and wellness services, click here.