Three Steps to Take Today to Promote Mental Health Tomorrow

A blog, from me, that is actually a bit positive in its desire to promote mental health? Well, yes, this is. If you read enough of my blogs (say two or three) you probably gather that I mix in a healthy amount of sarcasm--alongside with the recovering from mental illness bit. If you read this blog often enough it's clear I've had a rough time the past few months. Honestly, it feels like years and maybe it has been, but this fall and winter hit me hard. I'm sort of back on my feet again--albeit tottering--and so this blog is less sarcastic than most. Perhaps it is even verging on positive?

Three Steps to Promote Mental Health and Wellness

Drink tea! A lot of tea. Have a hot bath with bubbles! Just kidding--these may work for some people, but not all of us, so let's narrow it down to steps that are more realistic:

1. Set your alarm clock--or your iPhone, whatever works, whatever makes a very shrill and irritating noise. Perhaps your partner is irritating enough in the morning and that may suffice.

Those of you who jump out of bed with ease can skip this one, but for those us struggling with our stability, getting up can be really tough. It can feel impossible. When we struggle with stability we often suffer from insomnia or sleeping too much. Just getting up at a reasonable time, for as many days as you can, can work to regulate sleep. Do what you can. If you can only stay awake for a few hours it's still a positive step.

2. Move. Yes, move. When I was struggling with severe depression, walking up the stairs was hard. I would (and still do) marvel at people who jog. Can you imagine? Sustained movement for a sustained period of time. Point in case: When we are fighting to become stable moving is hard.

Pardon this bad pun: Take small steps. If you can. I realize this is not always possible but if you can call someone to take a walk with you, or you have a dog who glares at you enough to push you out the door, just go. This helps with sleep and appetite and is better, in my opinion, than the benefits of tea and bubbles or even bubble tea.

3. Try to eat on a regular basis. I cannot give advice on this (though I can practice what I preach) because it's so hard for me but I can tell you that eating at least one, solid and balanced meal, can help you become well faster. Buy foods that you like; stuff that's easy to cook if you can't convince someone to cook for you.

Side-note: Eat chocolate. Well, I do. I swear it's part of my self-care.

Also equally important: working not to isolate yourself, not using illicit drugs and/or alcohol, staying in touch with your mental health care team and just trying to stay positive. I know it's hard. It can feel impossible but when it is possible, even a little bit, embrace it.