May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in its honor - I'm going to share with you how I manage my mental health and create a strong basis for stability in my world.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
My mood is often dependent upon my physical health. I have a weak immune system and have to work extra hard to keep my health in a good place. I also see a high correlation between managing my stress and whether or not I'm taking time to be physically active. I think what scares a lot of people in the physically healthy world is that they assume physical health = appearance and fitness levels. That's false. Being physically active can simply mean getting outside. Going on a walk. It doesn't have to mean competing in body building or running a marathon. Take time to find out what form of fitness feels right to you and do that. Additionally, get sleep. Eat right. Physical health is more than fitness - it's supplying your body with the nutrition and REM cycles to stay powerful.
RELATIONSHIPS
Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about who you are. From your family to your closest friends to the community in which you live - spend the majority of your time with people who do not drain you. In life we will always have to spend time around those who steal our joy, but if you can limit that time, you'll be doing yourself a long term favor. Constantly evaluate your relationships - not everyone is meant to be in our lives forever. Edit ruthlessly in order to maintain only positive uplifting relationships.
MEDICAL CARE
Not everyone needs medication to manage their mental health. I do. I meet with a psychiatrist every couple months to check in and make sure that my medications are professionally managed and I am practicing safe medical solutions to managing my mental health. I also see a psychologist about once a week (depending on my travel schedule). I realize that right now, I need medical care to assist in keeping me at my best. I know not everyone believes in medical intervention for mental health, a nd that's ok - that's why each journey is different.
WORK
We spend most of our lives in the workplace. Unless you're married rich, been born wealthy, or won the lottery, you're probably working 8+ hours a day, 5 days a week for like 30 years! And if you're like me, you put a lot of your heart into your career. When I'm unhappy in my career, it greatly affects my ability to maintain good mental health. Do everything you can to work somewhere you're happy. And if you're not happy, change your attitude or change your situation.
PASSIONS
I thrive on my passion projects. If I don't make time for what I love to do (writing, reading, creating), I'm miserable. Whether it's an hour a day or sometimes only an hour a week, make time for your passions. Really take the time to learn what your passions are and develop those. They fuel your energy and make your happy muscles flex!
As always, my journey with mental health is extremely personal. Yours may look entirely different. Consult a professional to make sure you're on the best path for you! And never be ashamed to ask for help my sequins!