I think we all know about mental health issues and the ways in which they can impact on our lives. Or do we? We live in a world now that is moving so quickly and there is always so much happening. We are bombarded by so much in every aspect of our lives. This includes everything from our normal working lives to our personal lives.
Because I work with young people, I think it is extremely important to have a solid understanding of how to look after your own mental health and also that of others around us. This is not limited to our students, family and colleagues of course, but also includes our friends, family and loved ones.
The bottom line is, if I don’t look after my own mental health, how can I provide support for the mental health of anybody else?
I heard a lady explain it once, and I have blogged about this before, about the importance of taking the first piece of the pie in order to nourish myself first, so that I can then nourish those around me. In the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey refers to it as ‘Sharpening the Saw’.
How do I take the first piece of the pie? How do I sharpen my saw? Probably one of the first things I do is surround myself with my ‘Dream Team’. This is my support network. These are the people who build me up, support me, encourage me, cheer me on and cheer me up.
My Dream Team is not exclusive. I recognise that there can be times in my life were I may need to add a professional to my Dream Team, such as a counsellor or the like. The thing I love about a good counsellor is that they are not biased and they are great at listening and then can offer suggestions that I may not have even considered.
Another thing that I do, is take time for myself. Alone time. This is where I might meditate, so I can quieten my busy mind or move my body (I am aiming for progress not perfection). Time alone is important to me, as I think it makes me a better person and certainly a better mum.
The last major thing I do to look after my mental health, and this has got to be my biggest challenge, is to eat better. What I have learnt over the years is that when I eat crappy food, that’s exactly how it makes me feel. When I nourish my body with good food, I feel better and my mental health thanks me for it too.
My question for you, ‘What have you done today to look after your mental health?’
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