.png)
Netsanet Tegegn, LCSWWheel Of Awareness: A Daily Mental Health Routine To Stay Balanced
Updated: May 25, 2021
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”~Anne Lamott
When life gets crazy, it’s all too easy to allow our health and mental well-being to be left by the wayside. However, the truth is that our mental health has to take priority for other things to fall into (and stay in) place...
To be the best parent, friend, leader, inventor, healer, or entrepreneur, taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally is as essential as taking care of your body; even when you are supporting and caring for loved ones who are going through a tremulous ordeal or mental health crisis!!!
Here are some simple things to look at and incorporate into your daily routine to make sure you stay on top of your mental health needs.
Exercise: moving our body is not only good for our physical health but also our mental health. Not only do we feel good about ourselves when we commit to an exercise regimen, but the movement itself helps our body to release “feel good” hormones that can alleviate stress and anxiety.
Eat Well: When dealing with stressful situations, most of us tend to reach unhealthy comfort foods laden with trans fats and refined sugars. Not only do these foods tend to make us pack on weight, but the chemicals in these foods can exacerbate our mental health issues, making us feel more depressed and tired. It’s essential to eat foods that support our mental health. Be sure to get enough protein and healthy fats. Your brain needs healthy fats to function properly.
Be Gentle with Yourself: When we are struggling with stress, depression, or anxiety, it’s important that we are kind to ourselves and practice self-compassion and self-care. Take time for yourself each day to show yourself some love and nurture your spirit. Meditate, listen to music or get that massage you know you need!
It’s also good to reach out to a mental health professional to get some guidance and tools to help you navigate what you are going through. If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to speak with you about how I might be able to help.
Remember, Mental Health isn’t only about mental illness. It’s about your overall well-being: how you think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, and make life choices.