Protect your mental health
Saturday morning I ran out for a grocery run – as you do, right? Only nothing is “as we do,” anymore, and things did not go well.
In the middle of the grocery store, the anxiety from the week finally crept up on me. Feelings came flooding in, and it took everything in me not to ditch the cart and run straight out of there. I could barely focus, and my chest was so tight it could explode.
Talk. About. A Wakeup Call. This was mine.
Our mental health can demand attention when we least expect it. Our world is going through one hell of a time and we need to be prioritizing our health right now, more than ever – which includes our mental wellbeing. You know all those people you want to show up for? We can’t, if we’re not showing up for ourselves first.
Anxiety has always been a part of my life, and over the years I have uncovered a few things that help me cope. Here’s a peek into the practices I am trying hard to implement right now, to save me from another grocery store meltdown. I hope they’ll help you, too.
Creating healthy sleep patterns! This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, along with a bedtime routine. Mine involves a hot shower, lighting a candle, dimming the lights and reading or journaling. I start this routine an hour and half before I go to sleep to wind down + settle into slumber.
Limiting screen time. I knowwwww. But by scheduling it in shorter time increments, I’ve found a lot more peace. Try leaving your phone in another room, even for ten minutes, and see how you feel.
Meditation is a pivotal part of my routine, but really, spending 15 minutes each day to calm your mind in any way will do the trick.
Cutting back on alcohol, sugar and processed foods – we’re all reaching for the comfort of treats right now, but these can have a heck of an impact on your mental health when you over-do it.
Movement every day. Yoga and jogging are what helps me right now and I have a heavy weight bag on delivery so I’ll be implementing boxing back into the mix! I’m also super craving a virtual dance party. Can someone please make this a thing already?! If you have any leads, let a girl know.
And lastly, HUGELY – be kind. To yourself and to others. Your experience is not someone else’s experience– it’s time we all let go of judgement and release any shame.
