Mental Health and Self Care

The beginning of the year can feel like the longest and darkest months of the year, can’t they. The hustle of the holidays is over, the parties have ended. Now what? Here come the bills, short daylight hours and cold temperatures.

It’s no wonder this time of year mental health professionals see a rise in people seeking help. There are a few things we can keep in mind to support ourselves and those we interact with.

Does Fred seem distracted more than usual? Sue hasn’t been engaging with everyone in the break room this week. Maybe Jan hasn’t been to fitness class recently. A check-in may only take a moment out of our day, but it could mean the world to someone. A kind word. A sincere ‘how are things in your world today?’ can make a big difference in someone’s life if they are struggling. Even the smallest connection counts.

Simple acts of self care can greatly improve our own mental health. Two big ones are movement and getting outside. We are so fortunate to live in a place where we get so much sunshine!! Little bits of movement, even on the days we really don’t feel like it, are really beneficial.

The simple act of walking over to open the front door or a window and taking a few deep breaths of fresh air can do wonders for our state of mind. Carving out five minutes, at a set time, every day for ourselves is very important. As a caregiver myself, I realize this can seem like a monumental task! But five minutes to take some deep breaths, count your blessings or set a goal for the day is a great reset for our busy minds.

Our diets are an important piece to our well being also. There are foods we can eat that can give some support to our mental health. According to Eatingwell.com there are five categories of foods we should increase. Plants, cold water seafood (high omega-3), whole grains, berries (fresh or frozen) and nuts (especially walnuts). Research has shown that taking a vitamin D supplement can help with anxiety and depression symptoms. Make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure this is safe for you.

Checking in with ourselves and others for our mental health is important all year round. Give yourself some grace. Talk to yourself with the kindness you give to others. Go do somethings that makes you happy!

It’s a good day to look after yourself.

Written by Melanie Peters Bright

Kodiak Elements

Phone 250.254.0434