Self Care for Mental Health

Self Care for Mental Health

Below are some ways to help you take care of your mental health on days where it can be really challenging. Attuning to your mental health needs is an essential part of self-care!

• Consider getting at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep – The amount of hours you sleep can have an impact on your mental health. Sleep is important for your brain to recharge and store all the information it gathered during the day. When we get an adequate amount of sleep, it helps our brains the next day to tackle any challenges we may face. Additionally, getting enough recommended hours of sleep for your age can help you feel more rested and less tired during the day.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day – Moving your body daily can be a great day to relieve stress and increase energy levels. Exercise is not only beneficial for your body physically but mentally as well. For example, exercise can lower your risk for developing chronic diseases and strengthen your muscles as well as bones. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can bring multiple physical and mental benefits. Types of exercising can look like walking, jogging, HIIT workouts, yoga, biking and anything that gets your body moving! What ways can you incorporate daily movement into your routine?
• Meditate – Meditation can be a great way to lower stress and ground yourself back into the present moment. Meditation can look like daily affirmations, breath work, following a guided meditation or sitting quietly observing your thoughts. These are only suggestions and not limited to what you can do to practice meditation.
• Try something new – Trying new things is a great way to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Trying new things is also a way to exercise your brain and, by doing this, you are taking care of your mental health as well. When you try something new it presents your brain with a new challenge, sometimes this can feel uncomfortable but is a great way to keep learning and growing. What are some things you want to learn or try?

Madison Reynolds

Mental Health Student Intern