Tips for Better Mental Health
Throughout the last few months I have noticed that my mental heath has been taking a toll on my overall mood and motivation. With all that is going on in the world amid this pandemic, being furloughed from my job, putting on a few extra pounds due to poor eating and not working out as often, I just haven’t felt good about myself lately. I decided to put together a list that not only can help hold myself accountable, but will also hopefully help anyone else that may be struggling with their own mental health. These are just a few things that can easily be incorporated into your day - and may even be things you already do - that will have a positive effect on your mood and overall well being.
Make your bed, everyday. This may sound silly, but it’s a game changer for me. You’ll feel more organized and it will also help to keep you from crawling back in!
Drink water first (I prefer hot lemon water) then your caffeinated beverage of choice (coffee/tea). By drinking water first thing in your morning, it helps jumpstart your digestive system and flush out any toxins from the previous day.
Gratitude Checks - I’ve been starting my day by journaling 2-3 things I’m grateful for in my life. It helps to start my day in a positive mindset. This can be as simple as “I’m grateful for my health, my family, and a good cup of coffee!”
Take mental health breaks as needed. Unplug from your phone for a few hours, or even a whole day if possible. I know this can be difficult but its necessary to help keep you from feeling “feed fatigued”.
Move your body. If you can’t make it to the gym maybe you just take a stroll around your neighborhood, or even do some light stretching! To quote Legally Blonde “working out gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!”
Get plenty of rest at night! Going to bed early and making sure you’re getting adequate sleep is so important to your overall health. I’m usually in bed by 9PM. I also like to diffuse lavender oil if I’m feeling anxious or stressed and it helps to calm me right to sleep.
Set yourself up for success. If you’re currently working from home, make sure the environment is free from clutter and has good energy. Create a serene space by playing music softly in the background (I love a good jazz playlist), light a candle that smells nice or even open the blinds to let some natural light in. I also have been getting fresh flowers during my weekly grocery trip and keep them in a pretty vase on my nightstand. You could also put them in your kitchen, or if your desk is big enough keep a small vase there as well.
I really hope that you all enjoyed this post. It can be difficult to open up about mental health struggles but I just want to make sure that you know if you’re feeling lost or mentally exhausted right now you’re not alone. Continue to do your best, regardless if some days it doesn’t seem possible. I put '‘your” in bold because your best may look different than your partner, or best friend as we all cope with our struggles differently. As cliché as it is, tough times don’t last, but tough people do! With that being said, I also wanted to remind you that you don’t have to be “tough” all the time. Let yourself feel whatever emotions come natural. I recently posted on my Instagram stories about crying during yoga class. It was the release I needed, and I am proud that I wasn’t embarrassed to let my instructor see me during a vulnerable moment.
If you made it this far, I would love if you could take a moment to leave a comment on this post. Please write something nice about yourself or someone else.
I’ll go first… I am grateful to have found such an understanding, caring, compassionate partner. He has never ending patience with me on my hardest days and always knows how to turn my frown upside down.
