A Healthy Mind is Your Greatest Asset

After more than a year and a half, it’s become clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we live. From our social lives, recreational activities, careers and work arrangements, this new reality has made many of us feel more challenged engaging in daily activities. As we operate with less structure in our life and less contact with others than usual it can become hard to stay motivated.

During times of change and uncertainty it is essential to practice self-care and take care of our emotional health. According to the World Health Organization, self-care by definition involves the behaviors you engage in to take care of your health to include, hygiene, nutrition, leisure activities, sports, exercise and seeking professional or healthcare services when you need it.

As you focus on your well-being, consider the following tips to maximize your physical, spiritual, or mental health.

Food & Nutrition – Fueling your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water for hydration, gives us the energy we need to get through our day and increase clarity.

Keep Moving – Committing to a full workout routine can be challenging due to our busy lives. Squeezing in at least 15 minutes of physical activity daily such as walking, yoga, biking, jogging, or taking the stairs can improve your quality of sleep and help reduce stress.

Prioritize Sleep - Maintaining a regular sleep routine is a critical part of your self-care regimen. When tempted to stay up beyond your regularly scheduled sleep time to check social media, watch tv, or play games on your phone – don’t. Getting sufficient rest is an important part of restoring your mind, body and recharging for the next day.

Pause Regularly - It is important to often take time to pause, reflect and collect your thoughts. Taking time to recognize your feelings in any given moment is key. Using relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and taking deep breaths can help center you and release anxiety. Mindfulness meditation apps like Headspace or Calm are worth considering.

Balance your mental intake - There is a lot going on in the world. It is easy to buy-in to the notion to of being constantly connected to what is happening. While staying informed is helpful, be mindful not to overwhelm yourself with information. Take time to unplug from the daily grind and focus on things that uplift, sooth and restore you.

“No” is your friend – Focus on the things you can control by setting healthy boundaries if something no longer serves you. This can be anything from not answering calls at a certain time to not attending every event to which you are invited. It is more than acceptable to prioritize you as needed to prevent burnout and unapologetically protect your emotional space.

Engage Support - Make your mental health your highest priority and never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. The stigma surrounding suppressing your feelings and engaging the help of a mental health professional is extremely unhealthy and unwise. Getting support from a mental health practitioner or someone you trust when you are not feeling your best is also self-care. All wounds are not visible. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, spiritual advisor, or health-care provider. Have at least one person you can turn to when you need inspiration, a pick me up, or a vent session when experiencing sadness, depression, or a lack of motivation.

Be hopeful and take care of you. Dedicate time each day for things that focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Thinking and speaking positively can also help you stay motivated and motivate those around you. Pay attention to your feelings and find the one thing that makes you smile, laugh, or feel good each day as this is the simplest form of self-care.

For confidential mental health support, please see the available resources below.

Crisis Text Line

Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml