Motivational Monday: Tips To Help You Manage Stress, Minor Anxiety & Mild Depression
I think it’s safe to say that we are definitely living in uncertain times. From the increasing cost of food to high gas prices and cost increases everywhere in-between and many of us are not only feeling the pinch (no matter how we try to make ends meet), but we are also feeling more stressed, anxious, or depressed as each day passes which can make you feel unproductive, unmotivated, or lost. Now with all of that being said, I think it is very important that we take care of our mental health (just like taking care of our physical health is very important too), so I have come up with some simple tips that has helped me deal with daily life stress (although, I do still have the occasional day where I just do the bare minimum or nothing at all and that’s okay, but I don’t allow myself stay that way for long) that you can implement into your life TODAY to start feeling a little bit better about yourself (because you need to take care of yourself first before you can take care of family and life issues) and start to feel less stressed and more motivated and productive. So on to the tips, starting with first thing in the morning…
Get Outside First Thing Every Morning and Get Some Fresh Air
No matter the weather (unless the weather outside is extreme), take a minute or two each and every morning, go out into your backyard, on your patio or balcony and close your eyes and breath in the fresh morning air. By taking the time to do this will allow you to calm your restless mind before moving on with the rest of your day.
Add a Moment to Your Morning Routine That Brings You Joy
This could be reading a chapter of a book you have been meaning to read or reading verses from the bible, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea while listening to calming music or meditating. By doing this, you will be able to focus on something other than the negative thoughts racing through your head so you can tackle the day ahead.
Make Your Bed
If you do nothing else today, make your bed. By doing this, you will feel like you accomplished something which in turn could make you may feel like taking care of other things that need your attention. Now on to tips to take care of in the evening before bed…
Clean Up Your Kitchen Every Night
There is nothing better than waking up and walking into your kitchen to make coffee and your kitchen is cleaned up from the night before. By doing this every night before bed, you will not wake up with dread because the kitchen needs to be cleaned up before your first cup of coffee.
Review Your Calendar For The Next Day
As you are reviewing your calendar for the next day, make a to-do list of what needs to be done so you are prepared when you get up in the morning. Also, keep a notepad and pen by your bed to jot down random thoughts that can keep you up at night too.
When You Need Professional Help
Now, these tips are small things you can do to help alleviate some of the stress, anxiousness, or mild depression you may be feeling, but if you think you need a more professional level of help, please don’t hesitate, go get it!! If your health insurance covers mental health providers, you are lucky and you should use them! If not, please check out Better Help This service provides online, licensed mental health providers per state (the cost for therapy sessions ranges from $90-$120 per week and billed every 4 weeks). If this service is not in your budget, there is a free service (via texting with your smart phone) that you can use called Crisis Text Line. Just text “HOME” to 74141 anywhere in the U.S. to connect with a counselor 24/7. It doesn’t matter what you are dealing with or what your situation is, if you need to talk, please consider using this free service.
Other Services Available
Veterans Crisis Hotline (for honorably discharged, or retired veterans). Available 24/7. Dial 988 then press 1, chat live or text 838255. This service provides free and confidential support for all veterans (including National Guard & Reserves members) and those who support them, and you do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or other health care to use this free service.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Dial 988 from anywhere in the U.S. 24/7. This service provides free and confidential support for those dealing with a suicidal crisis or dealing with emotional destress.
I know this blog post is lengthy, but I am someone who has been dealing with mental health issues off and on most of my adult life and I feel mental health is still, to this day, something that is not really talked about and there are just not enough resources to access when it comes to taking care of our mental health. So, if you are dealing with mild stress, anxiety or feel down, I hope the tips I talked about help you get back on track. But if you (or someone you know) need more help, I hope you consider using one of the services available that I have mentioned in this post so you can get your mental health in check so you can get back to living your life and until Wednesday, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!
*I am not a mental health professional and the opinions expressed in this blog post are my own based on my experience dealing with mental health issues most of my life. Also, this blog post is not sponsored.