Image and Insight by Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Mental health is kind of a taboo subject. A lot of people feel it is not "cool" to talk about, but that is the last thing we should do when feeling "down in the dumps."
Have I ever been "sad," "upset," "depressed?" Yes, of course. It sometimes lasts a second, minute, hour or sometimes days. No one is immune to it. We all have bad days, but how do I pick myself up and get back to a healthy state of mind?
Great question. Everyone is different. I think of the brain as a finger print. None of use have the same one. Our brains all act and run differently. No brain is exactly the same.
For me. I make sure I talk about my feelings and what makes me upset with my wife or my close friends and family. I call it my "support group." So, who is in your support group? Friends, family and social workers at school.
"What else do you do Mr. Nash?"
I notice that gratitude is a big helper for me. I try to give complements and focus on positive things in my life. I say affirmations in the mirror in the morning. It starts my day off in a positive mood.
I also, as crazy as it sounds, make my bed. I ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING!!! It's as simple as making your bed. Get in a positive habit, however simple it maybe. Watch the video below to see why:
I try to stay as active as possible. At my house I have a dog, Ernie. I make sure to take him for a walk without a cellular device. I get to unplug from the outside world and notice things around me. It is important to take a step back, slow down to speed up, in life. I notice the wind, trees, sky and the birds. It is peaceful and one of the best things I can do for my mental health. I also play catch with my sons, go for a run while listening to music, lift weights, watch a YouTube exercise video, whatever to keep me moving.
Other things I do to help my mental health are legos. For some reason I really love legos. I can spend hours building and be completely happy. Are you the same? Probably not, so find out what grabs your attentions and get lost in it.
Remember it is always important to Talk, Be Positive, and Love Yourself. Will you have bad days? Yes, but put yourself first and love yourself. I hope this helps. I hope you practice healthy mental habits and you're in a good state of mind. Love to you and all that you are. Just keep moving forward. One step at a time.
MR. NASH
You can use the Daily Mental Health Log to document what you focused on today. Write down your log in a journal, print out this sheet, or get a blank piece of paper. Write down 3 goals, such as "making your bed." Then write down 5 things you are grateful for. What you focus on expands. So make your focus a positive one.