May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Here are 10 ways to Boost your mental health.
1. Foster positive thinking and self-talk
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We become what we think. I would constantly tell myself "I am not good enough" and "this sucks in my life" etc. But truthfully turning it into something positive can help. I am not saying everything is sunshine and rainbows, but changing my thinking to "I am good enough for people who love me" and "this can get better" helped me foster positive thinking.
2. Practice being thankful for things you enjoy in your life
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I started becoming grateful for what I have rather than what I don't have. Not saying you shouldn't want things in life but it was not helping to dwell on things I did not have. I became thankful for my parents and friends and I felt instantly better.
3. Stay active
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Staying active does not have to mean doing workouts you hate, but you can find workouts and things to do to stay active that you like or just to keep blood flowing with any movement. You can dance, life weights, bike ride, and even clean. Moving and staying active gives you more energy and helps you feel better. When I take walks while listening to music I feel much better and have more energy for my day.
4. Practice mindfulness and being present
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Mindfulness is the act of staying present. I find myself being pulled away in my thoughts when in the middle of talking to a friend or doing a task at work and it frustrates me because my brain starts to spiral. Bring yourself back in - it takes work but it helps you enjoy the moment and focus on the present.
5. You are what you eat, so practice healthy eating
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It is more than okay to have pizza and ice cream; they are my favorites. Practicing healthy eating give you more energy though and makes you feel better with a better mood. Try incorporating fruits and veggies as a start.
6. Stay connected to others
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I need my parents and friends to get through the day. Having connections and support with others is crucial for feeling loved and supported. Reach out to people who love you endlessly and will be there for you when you need it.
7. Journal writing
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I am not a huge fan of journal writing but I heard it helps. I started writing pros and cons lists for situations I am stuck in or writing short sentences for how I feel. Eventually I would like to start some small journal writing. Letting out your feelings can help release angry and sad feelings built inside you. Write out your feelings on paper and reflect.
8. Set realistic goals
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I used to set really hard goals for myself; not impossible but hard such as becoming a famous comedian or losing 20 pounds in two months. I lost my values and my stress went up so much along with my sadness due to not being able to complete my goals. I made better goals that matched my values such as volunteering, getting my master's, taking a comedy class, losing five pounds in one month, and others, and I can truly say I am on a better goal path. Make goals that match your value; no goal is impossible and some yes may be harder than others to achieve. I am not saying do not chase your dreams, if you want to be an actress, go for it, just be yourself along the way and remember your mental health is important.
9. Meditation
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I started using a sleeping meditation guide for 30 minutes and it worked to the point where I actually fell asleep! The soothing words of the speaker brought me to another place and I felt at peace. I highly recommend meditation to learn how to be calm and feel relaxed.
10. Take it one day at a time
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We don't know the future. I planned everyday trying to predict my future and my stress went up along with my anxiety. You have to breathe and take it one day at a time because your truly do not know what the future holds. Grab the moment by the hands and enjoy it.
Self-care, support, and positive self-talk can help make you feel better for mental health awareness month. Take care and remember to take it one day at a time.