Do you sometimes find yourself staring at your wardrobe, uninspired or unhappy with what’s there? It happens to all of us, even me. In fact, our mindset is often to blame, not our wardrobe. You could be having a hard week, and your anxiety is through the roof. Or perhaps you are experiencing health challenges or another difficulty that is causing stress and worry.
Occasionally, a special piece from our wardrobe can lift our mood. Other times, however, even the most whimsical piece from our closet can’t raise our joy meter. In those instances, the fix isn’t to buy something new. Instead, take a pause and take good care of yourself.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Last year, I shared a post about tidying your wardrobe for greater mental health. While helpful, this year I want to dig deeper and provide my tips for investing in yourself this month.
Understanding Self Investment
Let’s acknowledge that taking care of yourself is not selfish but critical. What does it mean to take care of yourself? Simply put, it is allocating time, energy and resources towards activities that nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health. When we take care of ourselves, it not only enhances our overall quality of life, but it also equips us to face challenges more effectively.
Mental and Emotional Investments
Therapy and Counseling. No longer taboo, seeking professional help for mental health issues or to gain greater self-understanding is a profound gift, one I am firmly on board with. Hands down, therapy is some of the best money I’ve ever spent on myself. Therapy is a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, helping you identify coping strategies and strengthen your mental resilience.
Education. Whether it’s reading books, taking a class, or listening to a panel, learning more about mental health reduces the stigma and promotes empathy, both for others and for yourself.
Mindfulness and Meditation. I have a friend who swears by meditation. Most of the time, yoga is my meditation. Mindfulness anchors you in the present moment. Anxiety is fear of the future, which is why staying in the present helps reduce stress and anxiety. We can only do what we can do right now. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
Physical Investments
Regular Exercise. If you are not presently active or if you have never really enjoyed it, exercise might be intimidating. If this is you, take it slowly and do just a little bit. Find something you already enjoy doing or something that does not sound too hard. Two ideas: (a) a 15-minute walk to favorite songs or (b) 10 minutes of silly dancing in your bedroom. From there, you can build. The reason exercise is important for mental health is the release of endorphins, also knowns as feel-good hormones. Endorphins lift your spirits and reduce depression and anxiety.
Nutrition. Again, don’t try to be a hero out of the starting gate. Find one thing you can change that does not feel difficult. Maybe it is a few apple slices at the end of your lunch instead of Oreos. Perhaps it is one less soda per day. What we eat impacts brain function and mood. A balanced diet of healthy (unprocessed) foods supports gut health, which in turn supports greater mental health.
Sleep. A good night’s rest is restorative to the body and the brain. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Avoid foods and drinks that interrupt sleep, including sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. While sleep is ideal, if you find yourself awake and not sleeping, begin deep, even breathing in and out of your nose. Remaining calm and resting in your bed with your eyes closed is almost as restorative as sleep. Avoid the urge to turn on the TV or your phone when you find yourself awake. A screen will exacerbate the problem.
Social Investments
Friendships. I am a big believer in spending time with friends. Humans were made for connection and community. Engaging and investing in friendships is a natural mood-booster, while social isolation increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. The friendship bonus: when you face tough challenges, you have a network that is ready to support you.
Community Engagement. Humans are purpose-driven. We need to be needed and to have daily tasks. Volunteering for community activities is one avenue that promotes a sense of belonging and purpose. There is so much need in the world. Whatever your interests, there is a way to engage and assist.
Mental Health is a Journey
Some days are better than others. Even with many of the above practices in place, we will have bad days where just getting out of bed feels like a triumph. That’s okay. On those days, acknowledge it, go slowly, and treat yourself gently.
When you find yourself struggling with mental health, reach out to a trusted resource for help: friend, family member, church community member, etc. No one should face mental health challenges alone. With the right care, you can go from surviving to thriving.
