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Your mental health deserves the same care and attention as your physical health.
Tending to your mental health is all about recognizing your unique needs and developing practices and habits to honor them. This can feel challenging and even selfish at first, especially if you’re not used to getting your needs met. But it’s the antidote to stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout so it’s worth the practice and dedication.
If you struggle to prioritize your mental health, try these six tips, and remember that the best way to support the well-being of others is by first taking care of yourself.
1 | Stand up to negative self-talk
Sadly, the biggest bully most of us face is staring straight at us in the mirror. Notice when you’re beating yourself up, interrupt the thought by saying ‘stop’ and then say something kind to yourself. With time, the kinder voice within will have more power.
2 | Interrupt repetitive thoughts
Cycling through what-ifs and if-onlys is exhausting and anxiety-inducing. The antidote to being stuck in a sea of repetitive thoughts is presence. That’s why meditating can be so helpful. It builds the muscle of concentration so that we can refocus the mind whenever needed.
3 | Stop saying yes when you want to say no
Your time is a limited and valuable resource. If you try to please everyone, you not only purchase a one-way ticket to burnout and resentment, you also deny yourself the pleasure and growth of focusing on what you value. Be intentional with your time.
4 | Tune into and honor your needs
It’s essential to check in with ourselves when we spend a lot of time in front of screens as we can easily become disconnected from the body and what it needs. Are you thirsty, hungry, craving connection, or in need of a break? What kind of support do you need at this moment?
5 | Move your body
We were born to move. Yet, we so often find ourselves in front of screens day and night. The drain of the screen does little to inspire movement, so it’s important to pre-plan opportunities to walk, dance, stretch, or exercise. All of which can boost your mood and reduce stress.
6 | Ask for help when you need it
When life gets difficult, it’s a common tendency to retreat, which can lead to isolation. We aren’t meant to travel through hard times alone. It’s important to reach out for support from trusted loved ones and mental health practitioners.
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