May is a very special month for me. Myself, along with my 2 siblings share this month to celebrate our birthdays. It is also Mental Health Awareness Month. While I am always an advocate for mental health, this month just brings allows us to bring more awareness along with spreading information to people all over the world.
According to WHO, 1 in every 8 people suffer from mental disorder. Know that you are not alone and that there are plenty of other people fighting to get through the day just as you are. There are resources out there made to help you. Stay strong, healthy, and well by following a few of these self-care tips. Please do what you can at your own pace. Taking care of ourselves can seem daunting at times, so it is important to do a little each day and not overwhelm yourself trying to do too much at once.
Ask for support when you need it- You deserve comfort and reassurance. It is okay to be independent, just as it is okay to be vulnerable. This could mean finding a therapist and having weekly/monthly sessions, it could mean reaching out to a family member and letting them know what you are going through. Find a good support system, and do not hesitate to utilize it.
Meditate- Meditation is a great way to allow you to focus on the present moment and give gratitude to what the day has given you. You can find mindfulness meditation videos on YouTube for free or listen to a podcast on your favorite music streaming service.
Find hobbies you enjoy- The possibilities are endless from painting/coloring, cooking, gardening, singing, walking, dancing, reading, and more. Do these activities to fill up your free time and allow you to express yourself freely.
Healthy lifestyle habits- Make sure to stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout your day, you can even infuse your water with lemons, different fruits, even cucumbers. Getting good quality sleep is super important to our health, it allows our bodies to recharge and recover.
'Me' Time- Once a week take at least an hour of your day to do something you enjoy. This could be taking a walk with your dog or giving a friend a phone call to chat for a bit. Maybe you want to escape reality, so you order take out and throw on your favorite movie/show. You can run out and buy yourself some face masks, run a bubble bath, turn on your favorite playlist and zone out while you enjoy a relaxing evening.
Journal- Keeping a journal allows you to freely express your feelings instead of bottling them inside. Use this time to look back at any regrets you may have and alter them into lessons you have learned! (Bonus: You could also write down negative thoughts and then cut them up and throw them in the trash.)
Remind yourself that it is okay to cry and feel your feelings- The bad feelings won't stay around forever, just as the good ones won't either because life is an everchanging ride of emotions.
Pinpoint what your triggers are- Whenever you start to notice strong emotions write down what caused it. Over time start to look at patterns to recognize what you need to avoid or what you need to communicate to other people to let them know why you are feeling this way.
Start a "what I've done" list- This is opposite of a "to-do list." You make a list of the things you have accomplished, allowing you to acknowledge all of the great things you have done for the day whether big or small!
Most important remember that you are human- We all are just trying to navigate life the best we can, but you are still worthy and deserve the best of it all. You matter. You are strong. You are beautiful. You belong. Know that you always have Dom in your corner cheering you on.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. This service is confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
If you need to add someone to your
support system, please do not hesitate to send me an email. I would love to connect with you and lend a listening ear. All my love - Dom