Today is a day dedicated to our mental health awareness. Do you ever take a “Mental Health Day?” Who has ever called in and said “I’m taking a mental health day today?” I know employers offer these days, but what if you’re a mom with some little ones at home, you can’t really call in for your mental health time. I hope we all have a support system that we can depend on when we need a break. That’s a big part of mental health awareness, acknowledging that sometimes we all need help to get by. It’s not always sunshine and roses.
What does your mental health look like today? Do you acknowledge the struggles affecting your life? What can you do to decrease your stress level? I feel a lot of eye-rolling here. But really, we all have control over our day-to-day life and even small changes can positively affect our mood and sense of well-being. Get outside into nature, take a quick 10–20-minute walk, no phone, just you and the beauty that is nature. It’s invigorating and can do more for you than you know. I have studied the benefits of spending time in nature, our whole body is rejuvenated from a 20-minute walk in the park, or sitting quietly on a park bench & relaxing, it heals and enriches.
Another great boost for your psyche: (or not but do it anyway) check in with your loved ones, especially those that need some TLC from you. It’s a big deal. We all need to feel loved, valued, and cared for. I realize this can be stress-inducing. I speak from experience. The love you share will come back to you, never doubt it.
This is a day to reflect on our head & heart because so much that is mental is spiritual too. Life isn’t “all good days” despite what you see on social media. Mental health is a continuum. My first blog is written about this subject. Think of your mental health right now. Where do you lie on that line? Are you at zero, at the “ho-hum, nothing to do” point in life or are you feeling energized and happy? It’s a beautiful day and you have breath in your lungs and can find a spot to bask in the sun. Yay! My mom used to come into my room every Saturday morning and say “time to get up Jenni, it’s a bright sunshiny day!” I wanted to throw my pillow at her because I love sleep. If you love sleep, you get it.
There is also the other end of the continuum. The side that is deep, dreary, and dank. My hope is that you aren’t there. Everyone experiences the negative side of the mental health continuum; life is full of ups and downs. I am grateful that we all aren’t on one side or the other together. It is so important to have people to turn to that can help you through when you are sliding down, an ear to hear you, and a shoulder to cry on.
Take a look, and be aware, we can all make strides in moving to the brighter side of mental health. What are your passions? What do you really love to do? Try and make time today to spend on you, your whole being will thank you.
Remember: we aren’t working machines; we have a soul that needs care and a mind that controls our being, every bit of it. Feed your mind something good today and feel your soul soar.