3 minute read
Parenting Column
by Meagan Ruffing
Meagan Ruffing is freelance parenting journalist and Mental Health Counselor. She loves promoting Self-Care Sundays and challenges you to do something kind for yourself today!
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
One of my favorite months of the year is May. Not only does it have Mother’s Day, but it is also the month to celebrate mental health. As a Mental Health Counselor, I teach others every day how to care about themselves; so I thought I would share some of my personal favorites with you.
1. Mindfulness.
Get yourself a mindfulness desk calendar. I picked one up for myself at the beginning of January, and it has quickly become one of the first things I look forward to each morning. I read the uplifting quote for the day and sometimes, it seems like the calendar knows exactly what I need.
2. Keep the Peace.
When I need to keep my mind sharp and free of negative thoughts, I block out social media, texts, and any type of content that might cause me to get stressed out. Sometimes this means I put my phone in another room so I can focus on other things.
3. Deep Breaths.
I know this one sounds really simple (and it is) but do not underestimate the power of a good deep breath. This is something I try to do with each of my clients in almost every session. It helps reset the body and be present in that moment.
4. Good Sleep.
This one goes without saying but a good night’s sleep does a body good. If your sleep routine is currently not where you want it to be, figure out what could be different about it. Is the room too hot? Too cold? Does your pillow need to be replaced? When I have clients who have trouble sleeping, I help break it down for them. We look at each part of their sleep routine and talk through how it is working and what could be better. Sometimes I will have them keep a sleep log to see if we can find patterns that can be repeated or disrupted based on how they are feeling.
5. Pick a Hobby.
I always tell people it is so important to find something that makes you feel good. I love to cross-stitch and it is something that calms me after a long day. I used to love to read and I still do, but I have not been able to read through a book
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in its entirety in a long time. This is something I am working on and trying to get better at. What is something you love to do? What makes you happy?
6. A Good Support System.
This is vital for your mental health. I am originally from Massachusetts so all of my family is out that way. I have made it a point to make everlasting friendships out here so that I know I am not alone when going through hard things. Plus, it is much more fun to celebrate the wins in your life with people who love you.
7. Food.
I have learned how important it is to keep myself fed and hydrated throughout the day. This helps me stay focused and ready for the tasks ahead. Tip: I keep random snacks in different places in case I find myself in a situation where I have not had time to eat. (Car, office desk, purse, etc.)
8. Highs and Lows.
This is one of my favorite things to do with my kids. I ask them every night either at dinner or bedtime, what their high was (best part of the day) and low (worst part of the day). I learn so much about my kids that way, and they learn a lot about me!
A great way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is to get out there, and do something kind for yourself. You are worth it, and you deserve it.
