First: Stop what you’re doing and take a deep breath.
We’re in the last quarter of 2020. How are you doing? Have you taken the time to stop and take care of yourself?
The first week of October is often recognized as Mental Health Awareness Week. This week was started by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to inform people about mental illness. Mental health also includes how our thoughts affect us emotionally and psychologically, along with our social well-being.
Allow yourself to take a moment and step back. Have you been feeling more anxious? Are you not getting enough sleep? Lacking focus? These may be signs that you need to take break. Most mental problems stem from some form of anxiety and/or stress. Mental health problems are more common than one would think. Just remember help is available.
When you are beginning to feel anxious or stressed, here are a few things that you can do:
- Stop and take a time out. Taking a step back can help you clear your head.
- Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. These can worsen your current state and possibly trigger panic attacks.
- Get enough sleep. Your body produces more serotonin in your sleep. Serotonin is a chemical produced by your nerve cells. It impacts every part of your body from your emotions to your motor skills and is considered a mood stabilizer. Serotonin also helps in the production of melatonin, helping one to obtain a more restful sleep.
- Do your best. Accept that you can’t control everything, and be proud of however close you get.
- Welcome humor. They do say: “Laughter is the best medicine.” Find a reason to laugh every day.
- Learn what triggers your anxiety. Better understanding what causes your stress can help you to better counteract it.
- Talk to someone. We all need someone to “vent” to. Don’t ever feel like you are alone in your situation.
- Exercise daily. Take a walk, go for a jog, set small daily goals, and find a workout that you enjoy. Exercise helps to reduce stress and stimulates the production of endorphins.
- Eat well-balanced meals. Don’t skip any meals, and keep in mind that food is medicine. Think of adding eggs, salmon, or dark chocolate to your diets.