Our schedules are packed, there are more TikTok trends to keep up with than hours in a day, the news is seriously stressful, and the brain fog and burnout are real. As we enter Mental Health Awareness month, take this as a reminder to check in on yourself, your habits, and your mental health.
5 Ways to Enhance Your Mental Health
1. Unplug
With technology, we are more connected than ever, and whether you’re an avid doom scroller or can’t get enough of the #GRWM videos, sometimes unplugging from your devices can help connect you again. It doesn’t have to be forever, or even for an entire day, but try logging off, silencing unnecessary notifications, and enjoying some time in nature, at the spa, or even a museum.
2. Evaluate
Since Covid-19 and the constant news cycle, more individuals than ever feel stressed, burnt out, or unmotivated. We are pushing the limits of what we can handle mentally to the point where things like our relationships or careers can suffer. One of the best ways to reevaluate is by bringing awareness to it. Try making a list of goals, scheduling a coffee date with friends, partners, or colleagues, and discuss concrete steps to improve all aspects of your life.
3. Find a Balance
Work-life balance? What’s that? The 40-hour work week was designed when there was the assumption that another person or multiple people would take care of all other aspects of your life for you — ie. Raising your kids, cleaning, doing laundry, preparing meals. And, being as connected as we are, 40-hour weeks start to look like 50-, 60- or even 80-hour weeks these days. As inflation has increased and the gaps between socioeconomic groups have reached disparaging levels, it is more common now that households require two incomes while having to clean, meal-prep, and take care of children or pets. Whether this involves a change of careers, equal distribution of responsibilities, a raise, or more days off — try to find your balance.
4. Learn When to Say No
From quitting a client to setting boundaries, listen to your gut when it’s telling you “no.” A level of mutual respect should exist between co-workers, employers, clients, and even friends and family. The past few years have taught us that we’ve got to learn when to stand up for ourselves and demand better.
5. Practice Self Care
Sometimes showing up for yourself can come in the form of self-care. If you’re looking for a few ways to take a mental break and treat yourself, start here.
- Book a spa day, blowout, mani/pedi, or massage
- Take yourself out to a solo lunch/dinner or movie!
- Take a break throughout the day to enjoy a cup of tea, stretch or go for a walk
- Don’t check your email first thing in the morning or before you go to sleep
- Set your phone to “Sleep” or “Do Not Disturb” during specific hours of the day
- Add a relaxing hair or face mask to your shower routine
- Eat lunch away from your computer or desk
- Find a hobby you can indulge in during breaks or after work
- Write down your goals and dreams
