You can Improve Your Mental Health with Simple Steps

Make May, Mental Health Awareness Month. Self-care is essential to maintaining healthy attitudes, thoughts and bodies.  These traits can lead to a healthy relationship with ourselves. This may mean planning steps to be proactive and to take care of our minds, bodies, and souls by engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. When you focus on your health of all types it not only improves your life but can positively impact everyone around you.

Self-care may be less time constraining than you think and can be practiced by doing something you enjoy, but do not always make time to include in your daily activities. This may include listening to a podcast or music, reading a book, watching a movie, or tinkering on a piece of equipment. For me it is sitting and watching the animals graze slowly around our farm and listening to the sound of nature all around me. Below you may find a suggested self-care practices to help eliminate stress and strengthen your mental well-being:

Put the phone down or close the computer: Take a break from Social Media, the news or calls for a segment of time.

Start an exercise program: Start with small changes by opting to take the stairs (if able), instead of the elevator or take walk to check the cows or corn. Take stretch breaks during the day. Go on a walk or a bike ride or ride your horse.

Start a hobby if you don’t have one: People can basically make a hobby out of anything, do something you enjoy.

Adopt better sleep habits: Turn off electronics, lights, and other distractions that may stimulate the brain.

Try a stress management technique: Try meditation, or breathing exercises, listening to calming sounds or smells.

Try a planner to set goals for yourself; You may feel more organized and be able to cross things off when you day is filled with lots of tasks.  Sometimes knowing what you have accomplished in a busy day helps reduce your stress.

Keep a journal or record: Instead of dwelling over negative thoughts, put them down on paper.

Volunteer: Helping others or your community feels good. You may be able to connect with old friends and develop new relationships.

Strengthen your communication skills: Become an active listener, engage in discussions.

Respect everyone, including yourself: Remember, we all make mistakes and it is perfect ok!

Corey Childs

Extension Agent