Mindful Grounding {Mental Health check-in}

 I know life can feel overwhelming.... again. Now that we are back full force into life and busyness. Especially with the new year getting those goals crushed etc. Sometimes it can tend to feel like like a lot. I know I promised myself that I would lessen up. But I am still adding to my plate. I am not getting ahead of schedule. I wish time would slow down. Maybe, even that I work faster, or not need as much rest. But I guess that is the point. So, here I am being super transparent that I am still struggling with this myself. 

It's hard to have big dreams, and big goals. I know last time I talked about making lists etc. But my list keeps getting bigger and bigger. My ideas are flowing now and they won't let me sleep. 

With that said I have really appreciated this advice that was given to me several months ago. 

MINDFUL GROUNDING

5 things you see

4 things you hear

3 things you can touch

2 things you can smell 

1 thing to taste.

1,3,10 Rule:

Think of  one word

3 deep breaths

Count to ten. 

These are great things for when you are stressed or feeling overwhelmed. Take a minute to do these things and then get back at it. 

Hope this helps you as well. 

Ways to Cope

 

With last year being so crazy I've been focusing a lot more on mental health. It's always been important to me but now with the whole country taking a hit. It's even more important now more than ever. I wanted to put an emphasis on coping skills. How we handle stress and the day to day is so important.  These are some ways to cope with all that in a healthy way.

 

Coping Skills

 

Distraction: Conversation, listen to talk radio/podcasts, read, do puzzles, TV, computer games, solve a problem, make a list, learn something new, cleaning & tidying, gardening, arts and crafts. 

 

Grounding: Use body & senses: smell fragrances, slowly taste food, notice the colors around you. Walk on the grass barefoot, squeeze clay or mud, do yoga, meditate, exercise. 

Emotional Release: Yell, scream, run! Try a cold shower. Let yourself cry..and sob. Put on a funny movie and let yourself laugh. Try boxing, popping balloons, or crank up music and dance. 

Self Love: Massage hands with lotion, manicure your nails, cook a special meal, clean your house (or just make your bed),  take a bubble bath or long shower, brush hair, buy a small treat.

Thought Challenge: Write down negative thoughts then list all the reasons they may not be true. Imagine someone you loved had those thoughts. What advice would you give them?

Access your higher self: Help someone else, smile at strangers, pray, volunteer, do randomly kind things for others, join a cause. 

http://www.unstressyourself.com/best-coping-skills-worksheets/

 

 

 

 

Fashion Friday {Mental Health Day}

 This week we had international mental health day. I wanted to just share what I posted on the day. 

"I wasn’t going to post anything until a conversation with my brother proved that people really believe in perception. If you don’t let them in they tend to think your life is perfect. I pride myself on being real, genuine and honest. All my life I have dealt with depression and later on anxiety. I have had many hardships {death of my son, getting cancer, deployments, getting teased/bullied} For a time I needed medication for anxiety but for ME it only made it worse. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. There’s nothing wrong with talking to someone. Let’s get rid of this stigma about mental health and have a conversation about it. You are not alone! "
Ps 9:9-10: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you (NIV).

Jacket: Windsor, Top: Shop Priceless, Pants: Forever21, Shoes: TJMaxx