5 ways to focus on your mental health that everyone can do
The past 2 years have been quite the experience. Going from working and living very care-free to staying in the house and wearing masks. This experience has changed how we see our relationships with each other as well as our relationships with ourselves. It has definitely brought into question for me what is really important.
Working from home was a huge transition for me especially as a school social worker. At the beginning of the pandemic I worked from home with a toddler full-time. Needless to say I”m not sure either role was done well in the beginning. From balancing family and work all in the same space that I lived became overwhelming and the lines between work life and home life became very blurry. And then fast-forward to returning to work in-person and re-creating the work life balance in a new way.
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is te fuel that allows your light to shine brightly." -- Unknown
The mental toll this experience has taken on all of us has not gone unnoticed. And everyone is mentioning self-care and taking a mental health day. Well what does self-care look like in 2022. Traditionally when people speak of self-care they will say go get a massage, mani/pedi. Oftentimes the options can be cloaked with a level of privilege that everyone doesn’t have. Here are some ways to start your self-care journey.
Ways to Step Up Your Self-Care Game in 2022
1. Set Boundaries
This is the one right here. It is very important first to know what your boundaries are around work, friendships, relationships and dare I say it family. Oftentimes when we fail to set boundaries we tend to over extend ourselves in ways that are uncomfortable to us and can make us resentful. Start by saying NO to things you don’t want to do.
2. Get some sleep
Find your magic sleep number where you feel the most rested and try to hit that number more nights than you currently are. Take naps when you can.
3. Move your body
Go for walks outside, exercise by doing yoga, body weight exercises or go to the gym. Moving the body helps to elevate your mood, reduce stress and lower your blood pressure.
4. Seek out therapy
Taking the time to talk to a professional can be very helpful in your self-care journey. It gives you the opportunity to speak with someone who will be objective when listening and provide expert resources to cope and manage the issues that you are dealing with. Reach out to your health care provider, check out Open Path Collective if finances are an issue in seeking out therapy
5. Journal
Find a notebook you like and take time in the morning or whenever is convenient to write down your feelings and set goals for your life. Make it apart of your routine, put it on your calendar. Even if you can’t talk to someone about how you’re feeling all of the time it is helpful to get the words out on paper.
However you decide to do self-care this year, choose yourself!!!
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