May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I’ve decided to make a point to talk about mental health more openly. I don’t believe you have to be clinically diagnosed with any mental illness to actively work on yourself and seek positive influences in your life. Today, I’m going to share my five favorite ways to stay positive.
1. Get a houseplant
It sounds a little hokey, but I’m serious. Studies show that having a houseplant can actually reduce stress. They purify the air around you, detoxifying it and leaving it clean for you to breathe. Get one for your office and a few for your house.
2. See a therapist
I hate that society has made seeing a therapist taboo. Often before my appointments, I’ll try and think of another thing to tell people I’m doing, but that’s so silly! So, yes, once a week I take an hour and unload on a professional. She asks me questions, digs deeper, and sometimes we even use a white board to explore what’s going on in my head.
Here are some frequent reasons people don’t get therapy and my response to them:
“I’m not crazy or depressed, I don’t need therapy”
First of all – there’s nothing wrong with being “crazy” or depressed. Second of all, sometimes the weeks I feel like I don’t need to talk to a therapist are the weeks we end up making breakthroughs.
“It’s too expensive”
Have you checked to see if your insurance will cover it? Mine does. I only pay a $30 co-pay to go. If you go just twice a month, that’s less than you spend on a boozy brunch. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, or if you don’t have insurance, check out an online therapist like Talkspace or BetterHelp. Some quick research shows that BetterHelp has plans that start at $35 / week and they have options for financial aid!
“Girl, I don’t have time to drag my butt to some doctor’s office every week”
Perhaps consider an online option as mentioned above so you can type on your own time. Another idea – once you’re established with a therapist, you can consider doing some sessions over the phone. My therapist has a telehealth option – so if I have to work late or if it’s raining and I don’t want to go outside, we’ll just chat on the phone.
3. Exercise, drink water, and get more sleep
You know, the basics. But so often, when life gets stressful, the first things that go are the ones that can actually help us destress. How many times have you had a rough day, skipped the gym, and gone straight for a glass (bottle) of wine? Me too. But just remember the old Legally Blonde adage of “endorphins make you happy …”
4. Meditate
About a month ago, I read You Are A Badass and it reminded me of the benefits of regular meditation. I asked y’all for a good meditation app and you delivered! I’m working on a post with my favorite tracks, but for now, let’s just say it’s helped me clear my mind – especially before bed. Which has had the other awesome side effect of more sleep.
5. Treat Yourself
Maybe it’s a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store or a mani / pedi appointment on a rainy afternoon. It could also just be taking an hour in an otherwise busy day to read a book or do something for yourself. Whatever it is, treat yourself to a simple pleasure that makes you smile or helps you relax for a bit. You don’t need to go on a thousand-dollar shopping spree to make an impact!
What do you do to stay positive?
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