I am not sure I have ever intentionally celebrated mental health day before. I do what I can to make it the part of any and every day. I find it interesting though that it falls on 10/10. As far as numbers go 1010 generally comes with a message of spiritual awakening, personal growth, a reminder to pay attention to your thoughts and to trust the path. Perhaps it’s placement on the calendar is intentional. I dunno. Last night I was speaking with a friend about anxiety, something that has plagued much of my life. The conversation turned to how it creates so much distance between you and the people you really want to connect with. How it actually makes us unavailable for true relating and once it has you all alone it hands you over to depression. You never find yourself in the moment. I thought I would share the ways I have managed my anxiety and depression in sobriety.
Eating lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables. This keeps me feeling grounded and nourished. Plus it sends the message to my body that I care. That I am here and loved.
Quitting coffee and getting on the Tea. this one hurt. Not going to lie. Caffeine triggers my anxiety though. So, we’re done. Herbal teas have a wider array of benefits anyway. They can help me stay calm, step up, cleanse, focus, create, balance my hormones, the list goes on. For more on teas check out this earlier post.
Journaling regularly, not just the wins or the total losses. All the in between. As a recovering extremist this has been important for me.
Exercise - endorphins rule.
Getting outside - nature is a good reminder that I am beautifully insignificant and merely a part of something so big I will never fully understand it. Farm bathing is most helpful.
Art.. a chance to express my feelings, my state of mind and to externalize my inner world.
Gratitude - I keep a growing list of things I am grateful for posted next to the mirror in my bathroom and I read over it while I brush my teeth.
Good company. I don’t spend time with people who communicate poorly and make me wonder how they feel about me.
House plants - I live alone and I talk to them a lot. They have proven to be therapy plants at times. We get to watch each other grow. It’s awesome.
Sweeping and smudging. I wake up, open the windows and my front door and sweep. Everything goes out the door. The sound is soothing. Then I smudge with some sage. It’s a little ritual to freshen up and clear any negative energy.
Organization. Keeping things in their place keeps me from scrambling, from feeling like I may not have what I need. It helps me feel relaxed and safe.
Therapy. Classic. I really love therapy. I want everyone to go. I often joke with my family that therapy is what everyone is getting for Christmas. Real talk: if I had more money that wouldn’t be a joke. Just sayin’.
I hope you found something helpful in here and if there is something that you do to manage your mental health that you would like to share please do so in the comments below. You never know who needs to hear what you have to say.
Day 257: Sautéed Kale, sweet potato, okra, scallions, cabbage, bell pepper, and fresh pasilla peppers with parm and a soft boiled egg.