Tips for Staying Well

Emotional wellbeing affects every part of our lives, from physical health to mental clarity and alertness. Here are a few tips for looking after your own mental health, and staying well.

Find Stress Management Skills that Work for You

Stress is universal, but stressors and the ability to cope with stress are different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all method to deal with stress in your life. Find stress relief that works for you, such as:

• Going for a walk
• Taking a short break from a stressful situation to do something else
• Asking for help
• Regular physical exercise
• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation and mindfulness exercises

Get Plenty of Sleep

While we all know that getting sleep is important, an estimated 11% of Americans routinely get insufficient amounts of sleep while over 70% of Americans report not getting enough sleep at least one night per month. Think about that: one out of very three people aren’t getting enough sleep, an astounding 50 to 70 million people nationwide. Staying physically and emotionally healthy relies on getting sufficient sleep.

Talk About It

Suppressing emotions is more than just mentally unhealthy. It affects your physical wellbeing as well. Holding in emotions can result in gastric distress, muscle pains in the shoulders and neck, frequent headaches, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. Find your safe place and your safe person with whom you can discuss your emotions, including anger, disappointment, and resentment.

Exercise

We all know that exercise has many profound physical and psychological effects including weight loss, lowering blood pressure, and an increase in your energy levels. You may dread tying your sneakers and getting started, but you always feel better when you’re done. That’s because physical activity releases endorphins, our body’s natural “feel-good” chemical. People who exercise regularly will note they have a marked reduction in depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as lowered stress levels, increased focus, improved sleep, and even a boost in their confidence and self-esteem.

It’s OK to Not be OK

You may be experiencing feelings and symptoms you don’t understand, and that’s ok. A therapy session or two can help you regain your emotional balance, even if you’re not sure why you’re feeling “blue” or out of sorts. We will help you find the root cause of your negative feelings and help you address and overcome them.