In order to maintain your mental and emotional health, it is vital to become and remain aware of your needs and feelings. This has never been more important than it is right now with all of the additional stresses occurring in our personal lives and in our world today. You probably have felt the accumulation of fear, worry, hurt and/or anger recently. Daily life has changed, and the magnitude of the issues we are facing today bring unrest and upset and wreak havoc on the stress levels impacting our bodies.

How can we alleviate stress?

First, it’s important to do your best to maintain a balance between your normal responsibilities (daily jobs, family, advocacy) and the things you enjoy. Yes this is challenging right now as we face social distancing restrictions, but we must find ways to do things that positively impact ourselves and others. Being useful to others and being valued for what you do can help keep you feeling strong and confident. Maybe you are able to spend that extra time on the floor playing a board game with your child, or reach out to a lonely family member with a phone call, or with more time available, you want to make lunches for the homeless or attend a peaceful protest. If you have time and energy and it’s authentic to who you are—do it! The rewards can be tenfold!

Of course, it is also a time to remember that good physical and emotional self-care is important right now. Many people are out walking and exercising more and eating regular meals with family. Hopefully you are able to get more regular sleep as well. If we are strong in our physical health, our mental health will remain strong or improve as well. I encourage you to take your self-care even farther. Take time to journal, read something you normally don’t take time for, or turn off the news and watch a comfort show on TV. You will find you have the energy to face the challenges that are most important to you right now, whether that is taking care of a toddler, keeping a business afloat, or advocating for governmental change.

Connection is important

You hear it all the time, but it has been scientifically proven that as humans we are wired for connection and attachment. Physiologically, our heart rate slows and our body calms when we are in the presence of people we love and care about. In addition to connecting consistently with others, it is also important to develop a connection with yourself. Knowing yourself, your likes, desires, & dreams will give meaning to your life. It will allow you to share yourself even more with those you love, deepening the connection between you and them. And this will fill your heart, give you energy, and help your resilience. And this will help with any anxiety or depression you might experience.

So pay attention to your mental health, your physical health and your life balance. If you do, you will be more resilient and more effective in the ways that you show up and do good in the world. If I can help you in any of your mental health needs or you feel stuck in getting on the right track and addressing your anxiety, depression, stress, or relationships challenges, contact me at 503-327-6971 , I would love to see how I can help.