Mental Health: It's not just in your head

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 If you were to break your leg, odds are, you would go get it checked out, take the time to let it heal in a cast, and give yourself grace as you are rebuilding strength in the broken leg. 

If you catch a cold, you likely will allot time for extra rest and sleep, take the appropriate medication, and slow down your daily activities while you are recouperating. 

But what if instead of a broken leg, it's a panic attack? Or instead of a cold, it is a depressive episode? What do we do then to take care of ourselves when the problem is not readily observed by our outward appearance?

For many people, the sad reality is that for mental health problems or concerns, there is a false perception that one needs to "just push through it", "calm down", or "snap out of it". 

Why is it so easy for us to neglect our mental health and inner wellness, but easy to prioritize our physical health and outward appearance? In the United States alone, we boast a 4.2 trillion dollar wellness industry (Global wellness institute 2017), a 49.2 billion dollar beauty industry (Statista 2020) and a 27.6 billion dollar fitness industry (Policy Advice 2020). Americans clearly have a commitment to to looking healthy, but when it comes to nurturing and caring for our minds, we are far less concerned and committed. 

Think about the way you prepare for the day and get ready in the morning. Likely you shower, brush your teeth, perhaps apply makeup, and if you're like me, drink a few cups of coffee. How would it feel to integrate a mental health practice into your daily routine? Here are a few ideas and resources:

-While you are in the mirror getting ready, take some time to acknowledge a few things that you really like about yourself. Cultivating some self-love and kindness is a great way to start your day on a high note. 

-When you notice your mind straying to a place of feeling down, unlucky, or grappling with a difficult emotion. Try listing three things you are grateful for. We can have a hard feeling within us, and still cultivate gratitude, they are not mutually exclusive.

-Sneak in some self-care! Take the time to make your favorite breakfast once in a while, stop for that coffee on your way to work, wake up 10 minutes earlier to make time for some morning reading or a nice stretch. You deserve to invest in yourself.


To sum it up:



Image: Tenor, 2020





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