Make room for mental health

Protecting your Mental health is more than massages, pedicures and warm baths. Although I love all of the above. ⁣
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Sometimes that isn’t enough.⁣
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Here are some tips that have helped me, especially during this time.
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Protect your mind. That means take breaks from the news. The constant influx of negative information can infiltrate your mind and really affect your mood. Take the time to surround yourself with positive things. Whether it’s relaxing and calming music, or sitting in a totally quiet room. Sometimes you need turn off all the noise and be still. ⁣
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Take a social media break. I love social media and the people who I have connected through this platform. But sometimes it can get overwhelming. Take a break and reset from time to time. I promise it does wonders. ⁣
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Pray or Meditate. Whatever is most comfortable for you. I am not a morning person so I have found that evenings when my children are asleep are the best time for me to pray and meditate without interruption. It is my time to talk with God and to quiet my mind before bed. ⁣
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Get rest! Anyone who knows me knows I don’t sleep lol. But the days I do get sleep it shows. I am more rejuvenated, I am more kind and I am more productive. Pick a time to get in the bed and whatever you haven’t finished for the day, just leave it alone. You cannot pour from an empty cup. ⁣
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Have someone you trust to talk to. It’s ok to talk to a therapist. Really, it is! I had a wonderful therapist in residency and I plan on finding one here too. ⁣
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Journal! I have kept a journal since my first day of residency. Journaling helps me to get my thoughts, fears and emotions on paper. Usually, when I journal I write what I am worried about or going through on one side. On the other side, I write what I am thankful for and what solutions can help the situation at hand. It helps me not to just focus on the negative. ⁣
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Lastly, be kind to yourself. We don’t get it right everyday. Our to-do-lists still have many items left unchecked. We get frustrated. We fail. It’s ok. Give yourself grace and know that tomorrow is a new day.