It’s no secret that the American healthcare system is in dire need of repair.
So as long as there are 12 step groups, you’ll never be alone.
And all of these things cost less than regular therapy sessions.
It’s easy to wake up and feel negative about everything, and fall into an even deeper rut.
And the experts agree.
Kimberly Hershenson, a NYC-based therapist, emphasized this importance.
“Doing something just for yourself every day is crucial to mental health.”
So no matter how small the activity may be, it’s still good for you.
Another way to direct your morning is with positive affirmations that open your mind to good outcomes.
Hershenson recommends, “Read affirmations every morning.
Starting your day with positivity kick starts your day on the right foot.”
So therapy or no, you’re putting in the work.
By the time they let me go the next evening, I was so ready to go.
And I was thrilled to get back to my home, my things, and my family.
I was intensely grateful.
So how can you cultivate sincere gratitude on a daily basis, minus hospital visits?
Like therapy, you work at it.
We can teach ourselves to notice and appreciate positive things even when we have challenging circumstances."
So every day, really attempt to focus on the things you do have.
And plenty of therapists would agree.
But that’s easier said than done.
According to the CDC, one in three Americans don’tget enough sleep, which is a pretty staggering statistic.
And if you’re one of those Americans, you’remore susceptibleto developing a mental illness, such as depression.
Hershenson told me that it’s beneficial to your mental health if you take a technology break.
“Turn off the TV, computer, and your phone an hour before bed,” she said.
“Technology stimulates the brain, causing our minds to stay active and unable to wind down.
Turning off technology allows us to slow down and prepares the body for rest.”
Even the most introverted people need support from others, so confirm you’re nurturing your support connection.
Finding supportive people to talk to increases feelings of being cared about and belonging with other people."
And if you feel cared for, then you’ll feel a lot less alone.
Sweat it out
I’ve been working out regularly since 2002 about fifteen years.
And I am by no means “in shape,” or thin by any measure.
So I keep doing it.
And I’m not the only person who notices that it helps.
Teresa Solomita, a licensed psychoanalyst and therapist, told me that moving your body is key.
So it’s no surprise that fierce cardio helps me keep sane.
Plus it’s cheap and/or free to get your sweat on.
So it’s a no-brainer.
If you work your body, you will help your mind.
But it’s also important for mental health.
Kamis-Brinda told me, “Eating healthy is also important for good self-care.
As with exercise, the better you feel physically, the better you will feel emotionally.
Complex carbohydrates promote serotonin in the brain, which helps to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.”
Additionally, if you’re prone to anxiety, avoiding certain foods can help.
“Read therapist blogs.
Many therapists blog about topics that they know are meaningful to the clients they serve.
“PsychCentralandPsychology Todayhave some great ones from practicing clinicians on an array of issues.”
And that’s not all.
Martinez continued, “Listen to podcasts/YouTube channels by mental health providers.
There are some great mental health podcasts out there produced by practicing clinicians.
Often they invite other therapists who blog to speak about certain topics.
This way you could read and listen to your favorite mental health providers.”
Finally, there are online sites like7 Cups, which provide free, confidential calls from trained listeners.
Plus, it really does help you calm down.
A regular practice will reap regular rewards.”
There are also tons ofmeditation appsout there, some of them free, to guide you in your practice.
I spoke to Dr. You’ll be working with doctoral trainees, but they are closely supervised by veteran psychologists."
And there is a perk to this method as well.
So get in touch with your local school and see what they have to offer.
Have a holistic approach
There’s no magic bullet that can make everything in our lives perfect.
And most of the time?
They can, will, and do.
