October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a time dedicated to creating awareness about mental health issues around the world. This year, each and every one of us is experiencing more challenges as a result of Covid-19. That is why now, more than ever before, it is important to take inventory of your own mental health and work towards making improvements for a healthier life.
Follow the guide below, provided by FamilyMeans therapists, to help in taking inventory of your mental health. This is great practice for children as well, and as a parent you can support them by reading the steps aloud and helping them to understand the feelings and emotions that may arise.
- Find a comfortable space where you can lay down. Perhaps this is your bed, couch, or even the floor with a few pillows. Move around a bit to get comfortable. Then lay still with your hands on your stomach or chest.
- Focus on your breathing. Take a big, deep breath and hold for three seconds, exhale completely, pushing all the air out of your lungs. Do this two more times. Feel your hands move up and down on your chest/stomach as you breathe. Take as much time in this step as you wish, connecting with your breath and finding calm.
- Now move your attention to your body. Start at the top of your head and move your thoughts down your body until you reach your toes. How does each body part/muscle feel? Do you have any tightness or tension? Are you warm or cold, hungry or thirsty? Feel the heaviness of your body against the bed, couch, or floor. Appreciate your body and what it has done for you today.
- What is your emotional state? How are you feeling in this moment, perhaps relaxed or calm? Maybe the weight of the day still lingers, making you feel stress, anxious, or sad. If you are in a good mood spend some time with this feeling; smile and reflect on why you are happy. If you are in a bad mood, take a few more deep breathes and begin to think of ways that you can improve this mood. Maybe taking a bath, going for a walk, or connecting with a friend or family member.
- Slowly begin moving out of this relaxed state by gently moving your fingers and toes, then move up to larger actions such as moving your head back and forth to stretch your neck, and stretching your arms and legs. In your own time, come to a seated position.
Reflect on how this exercise made you feel. Do you feel empowered and ready to take on the day? Or did this practice bring up emotions for which you need more support? As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, we hope that you found some time to take inventory of where you are at with your mental health. FamilyMeans provides therapeutic counseling to support children, teens, and adults through any mental health challenge that they face. You are not alone. Visit FamilyMeans.org or call 651-439-4840 to learn more and set-up an appointment today.