The juggling act of life is at times overwhelmingly daunting. No matter how mentally sound you are, it catches up with everyone at one point or another. Balancing work, family, parenting, friends, home ownership, marriage – the list goes on – is sometimes nearly impossible, and the weight of the pressure felt from the never-ending list of responsibilities means taking time for self-care is, now more than ever, so important.
It may seem obvious, but intentionally and regularly executing the following behavioral activities can make all the difference. The National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare provides tips for balancing or rebalancing yourself when you’re feeling stressed.
- Value yourself – Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects
- Take care of your body – Eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of water, exercise and get enough sleep
- Surround yourself with good people
- Give yourself – Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else
- Learn how to deal with stress – Exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journaling
- Quiet your mind – Try meditating, mindfulness and/or prayer
- Set realistic goals
- Break up the monotony – A little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule
- Get help when you need it – Seeking help is a sign of strength, not a weakness. It’s important to remember that treatment is effective and people who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction, and lead full, rewarding lives
Be mindful of the fact that everyone is going through something. Be kind to one another and be kind to yourself.
