Taking care of your mental health
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15 Tips For Improving Mental Health
MP Edition 028
If you're experiencing new, increased, or unexpected amounts of anxiety, please know that you're not alone.
When it comes to taking care of your mental health, there's no right or wrong way to feel overwhelmed or mentally exhausted, but recognizing the symptoms early will help us take care of our mental well-being.
When it comes to taking care of your mental health, there's no right or wrong way to feel overwhelmed or mentally exhausted, but recognizing the symptoms early will help us take care of our mental well-being.
Stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and more may indicate declining mental health.
The CDC notes that these are common symptoms:
- Fear
- Sadness
- Numbness
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Anger
- Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms
- Depressive symptoms
- Low mood
-
Stress
- Emotional disturbance
- Irritability
- Emotional exhaustion
Everyone is different - what works for someone else may not work for you. The activities below are suggestions for you to try out.
1. Mediation
Meditation can help clear your mind. Try to make time in your day for at least five minutes of meditation with an app like Headspace or Calm.
2. Essential oils
Scent can be an effective mood changer. Lavender helps de-stress, while peppermint helps you relax and ease headaches. If you don’t have a diffuser, try tapping essential oils on your wrists and temples or simply inhale the scent straight from the bottle.
3. Wind down half an hour before bed
Getting sufficient and quality sleep is a big part of mental health, but we often have our eyes glued to a screen right up until we crash. Our bodies need time to ease into sleep, away from screens. Spend at least 30 minutes before bed winding down - try taking a bath, meditating, or reading a book.
4. Declutter
Sometimes, clearing the clutter in your physical space can help clear the clutter in your mind. Try doing a deep spring cleaning or reorganizing your space.
5. Take a walk outside
With our collective quarantine and many now working from home, it can be tough to stay indoors all day. To stave off cabin fever and to get a boost of energy, go for a walk outside, with proper social distancing of course. Even 20 minutes outside can improve your mood.
6. Be kind to everyone (including yourself)
We are all going through this challenging time together so let’s offer compassion and kindness to all. And that includes yourself, take stock of how you’re feeling. Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re feeling like you’re not being productive or operating at your maximum right now.
7. Move your body
Fitness might not be the most pressing thing on your mind but getting up and moving is always crucial. From following a HIIT class online, to streaming a yoga flow in the evening, or having an impromptu dance party while you cook, there are plenty of options for at-home workouts. The point is to get moving for at least 30 minutes each day.
8. Create a routine
Try to do everything that you would do if you were going into the office or not under quarantine to help create a sense of normalcy and instill some routine.
9. Break up your day
Remember to take breaks throughout the day. Working from home doesn’t mean working 24/7 or non-stop. Take a quick walk during lunch or jump on a zoom call for a virtual coffee with a friend. And when the clock strikes 5, shut down your computer and move to a separate space, if possible, to create a mental separation from work as well.
10. Stay connected
Luckily, technology these days enables us to stay in touch with our loved ones. Have Zoom happy hours with your girlfriends, watch a movie with the family.
11. Limit media intake
While it’s important to stay informed during a pandemic, sometimes the influx and overflow of news can be too much. If it’s making you feel extra anxious, limit your intake of news and social media each day or try a mini digital detox.
12. Escape for a little bit
The reality can be pretty grim these days so if you need to just veg out and escape for a few hours in a thrilling movie or page-turner book, go for it! Check out our round-up of TV shows to binge.
13. Try CBD oil
The emerging trend of CBD wellness has many health benefits, among them include reducing anxiety and stress.
14. Focus on the positives
As much as there is despairing news going on all over the world right now, there’s just as much good and kindness that is spreading. Focus on the positives.
15. Take one day at a time
It can be extremely daunting to not know what the future holds. Just remember that things are changing every day. Take it one day at a time and you'll get through it.
If are really struggling, please consult your doctor or speak with professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing and treating mental illness.
Muff love
