Mental Health Awareness Month: Take Time to Take Care of Yourself

Life can get hectic, work piles on, and it’s easy to skip the habits that support our health — mind, body and spirit. As we make are way through Mental Health Awareness Month, remember to take time to take care of not only your body, but your mind – after all, it is part of your body, and it’s just as important. As part of this special month, check out the great strategies below for dealing with stress and anxiety, shared with us by the Dungarvin Minnesota Fun Committee. (The Fun Committee meets quarterly to plan events/activities for operational, supervisory and admin employees who work for one of the Minnesota-based Dungarvin companies.)

Try these helpful strategies for when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

• Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
• Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthy, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
• Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
• Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
• Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
• Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
• Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud however close you get.
• Accept that you cannot control everything. Keep stress in perspective: Is it truly as bad as you think?
• Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
• Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
• Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious and look for a pattern.
• Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help if needed.

Also, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It promotes Mental Health Awareness Month to help destigmatize mental illness and encourage more people to share their stories, spread awareness and advocate for more support for people with mental health challenges.