Self-Care Tips for a Happier and Healthier You
You matter. It’s an easy thing to forget with the overwhelming obligations and responsibilities most people have, but you matter. Everyone, including you, must practice self-care to ensure their happiness and peace of mind. Disconnect From Technology The connectivity provided by technology comes with several benefits, but they have just as many drawbacks. Companies design phones to be addictive. Your brain releases a little dopamine whenever you get a notification, not unlike a slot machine. That’s why we constantly check our phones, even when they don’t ring or vibrate. Meanwhile, studies correlate heavy social media usage with profound feelings of loneliness and depression. Everyone needs to distance themselves from technology every so often. Try leaving your phone at home when you go outside or set a specific no-screen time. Better yet, dive into nature. Practice yoga in the park or hike through the woods and breathe in the fresh air instead of scrolling. Dream More Our bodies demand that we spend about a third of the day sleeping, and it does so for a reason. Almost every
cell needs time to refresh and renew. But many people continue to shrug off sleep, which falls to the bottom of their priorities. Take the time to increase your sleep quality. It helps almost every part of your body, from brain to toe. To do so, implement positive sleep habits. Don’t watch TV before bed, keep your bedroom dark, and put your phone on “do not disturb.” Indulge Yourself It’s all too easy to devote our lives to other people, but taking time for ourselves is essential. Some me-time lets you get some perspective through joy. Once a month, push the responsibilities away and spend the day doing what you love. If you want a spa day, get a massage. If you’d prefer to paint figurines in your basement, that’s all you. We spend most of our time in our heads, preoccupied with our thoughts and focused on our obligations. It’s not good for our mental health. The sheer weight of life is heavy on our shoulders and minds. Ease those worries and anxieties by putting the phone away, getting a good night’s sleep, and spending quality time with ourselves.
Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma Did you know that 1 in 5 adults suffer from anxiety and depression? Many of us know friends, family, and loved ones who suffer from conditions impacting PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
the importance of our nation’s struggle with mental health and wellness and to celebrate research into the prevention, treatment, and recovery from mental health conditions. Following its success in raising awareness nationwide, the holiday grew, soon becoming Mental Health Awareness Month. Now, the entire month of May is dedicated to increasing recognition of — while decreasing the stigma around — mental health. How to Help It is important for us to show those who may be suffering from mental health problems that we care. By listening without judging and learning to speak with them about their experiences, we can help them feel supported. Therapy, as well as support groups, can also be a powerful tool to aid in treatment
their mental health. Despite this, it takes an average of 11 years for those affected to get treatment after the onset of symptoms, and it is estimated that fewer than half of all Americans struggling with mental illness are receiving the care they desperately need. Given that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought it appropriate to hopefully help spread the word on this important topic. The History In 1949, thanks in part to lobbying by the National Mental Health Association — now known as Mental Health America — what began as Mental Health Awareness Week was first established. The idea was to raise awareness and emphasize
and recovery from trauma and conditions affecting mental health and wellness. Likewise, building a support network is also important. Speaking to someone about their thoughts, feelings, and emotions can help change or even save their life. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health condition, know that help, both in the form of support and treatment, is available. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak to a professional.
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