Easy Tips To Keep Your Mind Healthy & Happy
I think we can all agree, 2020 has been far from a normal year. Many of us continue to work hard and fight for what’s right- whether you’re on the frontlines as a health care or essential worker, or out protesting and educating, this year continues to be exhausting for many. When we put others before ourselves, it’s easy to lose track of our own health and sense of wellbeing. Especially in the current climate, it’s crucial to maintain mental health in order to continue forward in our lives.
For this article, I’ve gathered some simple tips from experts & advocates across social media. All of the following experts offer great advice on their platforms, and I highly encourage you to check out each of their profiles. I recommend using these tips to help you stay grounded, aware and present throughout each day.
Affirmations
Affirmations are defined as a practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment, & fostering a belief that "a positive mental attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything.” Affirmations are often small phrases that affirm something positive about ourselves. Payal, the founder of @affirmationaddict, posts daily affirmations and manifestations that make it simple to follow along.
Check out her latest post on building and personalizing your own affirmations. Payal recommends focusing on the present tense while also avoiding negating terms (like cannot). Use your affirmations to embody want you want in your life, and continue to focus on that.
Grounding
Staying grounded is another way to stay in control of our emotions and mind. Shanti Hollis, a licensed therapist, uses her platform to educate followers on mental health and seeking help. Shanti recently posted this simple grounding exercise for anxiety relief:
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She says “the purpose of grounding is to refocus your mind and body on your present situation rather than on your anxious feelings. ⠀It helps you stay in the present moment instead of worrying about things that may happen in the future or events that have happened in the past.” This senses exercise is an easy way to reduce anxiety and bring yourself back to the present.
Reflections
Reflecting is a great way to hone in on discomfort or anxiety within the body. Dr. Mariel Buque is a therapist and utilizes her Instagram to showcase various tips and tricks for dealing with this thing we call life.
Her recent post on leaning into discomfort helps remind us all that we may not always feel at ease, and that’s okay. By continuing to stay in tune with our minds and bodies, dealing with unwanted feelings becomes much easier.
Meditation
Meditation is a scientifically proven way to improve concentration and focus, reduce stress and even increase compassion. Our friend and certified life coach, Coach Carey, is an amazing advocate for meditation. In a recent post, Coach Carey dives into the healing process and how it requires reflection to move forward. Meditation is the ideal time for reflection, and these graphics below show three simple questions to help you address and sit with certain emotions.
Another great option for meditating is the use of meditation apps. They’re simple and a fantastic option if you’re just getting started with meditation. I recommend Headspace, as they have easy courses to help get you started step by step.
Rest
Last but not least, rest is one of the easiest (or hardest?) steps you can take to keep your mind healthy. Meg Watson, a registered psychotherapist, uses her channel to educate and help others think critically of their own health. While rest may seem logical, it’s something far too many of us avoid until we crash into bed at the end of each day. So remind yourself: you are allowed to (and should) rest when you need it.
Burnout, especially right now, can happen quickly and leave you with little remaining energy. Meg suggests going to bed earlier, disconnecting from the internet, and continuing to eat healthy and stay hydrated.
All of these are easy steps that can be taken to maintain the health and happiness of you and your mind. While our daily lives can feel overwhelming at times, it’s important to remember we are in control and have the ability to make positive change. While we continue to live in the midst of a global pandemic and ongoing protests, be sure to take time to focus on yourself and your own health too.