Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Mental Health is one of the most important things to recognize and take care of. Just think about it, then you are stressed out mentally, it controls everything you do. Our brains are physical proof of God’s undeniable power. One very powerful muscle created to control a persons every move. That is why keeping your mental space clear and free from negativity is of the utmost importance. This post is prompted by my current struggle to stay mentally healthy. The stress of my job, finances and my worrisome spirit has caused me to feel my body telling me I need a break from it all. So how do I do that? Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to travel. This is one of the main ways I am able to take care of my mental health. Unfortunately, with the recent health scares, I am reluctant to fill my own mental health prescription with travel. So, what is a girl to do? These days I am forced to come up with alternative ways to protect my mental health that others may also find helpful.
Music for my soul:
I created a playlist of songs that make me happy. This particular playlist is not genre driven, but more emotion driven. I try and stay away from sad songs, or songs that make me think too much. Instead, my playlist if filled with old school R & B like The Temptations, Johnny Gill, Babyface, Hi-Five, Jodeci and some of my favorite artist such as Brandy, and Chris Brown sprinkled with a little Reggae and Soca to get me moving. I have found that playing music allows me to belt out notes at the top of my lungs which in some ways allow me to release the pinned-up stress in my body. The Reggae and Soca beats allow me to move and shake off the rest. What does your playlist include?
Breathe Again:
I often find myself holding my breath when I’m stressed. I know it sounds weird but I do. Doing this, has caused my thoughts to be cloudy (I mean duh, I am losing oxygen LOL). With this new revelation, I have become more conscious of my breathing throughout the day. When I find myself doing this, I take a minute, close my eyes and just take some deep breathes…in through the nose, out through the mouth. Trust me, it really helps.
Lazy Daze:
Yes. Having a day when you don’t put any pressure on yourself to do anything can be the most amazing thing ever. You don’t have to cook, clean, meet with anyone or even get out of your pajamas. Now, some may say that sounds like depression…Shut up! Everyone is entitled a lazy day once in a while as long as you are not in bed crying and moping. A healthy lazy day is when you can sit at home, read a book, binge watch all your favorite ratchet tv shows and eat chips all day if you want. Its perfectly ok. Disconnecting to everyone and everything for a short period of time to find your balance is ALWAYS ok; it’s called the ultimate YOU time.
Talk it Out:
Whether it’s with the Lord, your therapist, or your bestie, its good to just talk it out. Once you say what’s causing your mental woes, the closer you are to releasing them. Sometimes, hearing things out loud instead of in your head, gives you a different perspective on how to move past the feelings. Remember that talking things out is a great way to heal and provide clarity to such a hazy world. TALK TO YOUR THERAPIST…no matter who that is in your life.
Work it Out:
I find that exercise is also a great way to clear your mental space. I absolutely hate working out but once I am done with my exercise routine, I feel great! I feel accomplished and renewed. Whether it’s going for a walk, or doing a kickboxing class getting your heart rate up releases the endorphins your body needs to make your brain happy. Again, a sign of how God created our bodies to sustain itself; take advantage.
Write it Out:
Exactly what I am doing now. Writing my blogs have helped me to free up space in my head. Its important for me. I am the person who remembers almost everything… birthdays, anniversaries, events: so needless to say, my brain is a bit full at the moment. Writing helps me to relieve some of the brain pressure and I appreciate you reading my thoughts. The positive feedback is also therapy for me, as it gives me positive vibes I use as motivation. Here is a tip…whatever it bothering you, write it down and throw it away, release yourself from it.
Take a Drive:
I may not be able to go on an island vacation at the moment but sometimes just driving in silence helps me to clear my head. I have no real destination, just getting in the car and driving. Wherever I end up is where I am supposed to be. You know how a baby falls asleep in the car (don’t you do that) but you get what I’m trying to say…driving can be soothing; I just suggest you do it early in the morning to avoid having road rage with all these crazy drivers LOL.
I hope that these things will help you when you feel you need a mental break. We have to keep ourselves healthy mentally so that we can be our best selves by thinking, loving and…
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