Keeping Your Mental Health Happy

Keeping Your Mental Health Happy

By: Samantha Steiner

In order to maintain stability with your mental health, there are a few things that you need to do on a regular basis to keep yourself healthy in mind and body. I have put together a simple list of the things that I believe are the most important to keep your mental health happy and well balanced and most of all to keep you happy too!

• Medications:
  • Take only as directed.
  • Make sure you always have enough refills.
    • Ask your doctor before you mix your medications with drugs or alcohol.
    • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking or eating grapefruit juice products with your medications because it can interact with the way your meds work in your body.
• Sleep:
  • Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
    • Limit caffeine products.
    • If you take stimulants try not to take them later than 4-5pm.
    • Try not play on your phone, tablet, computer or watch TV within 60 minutes of going to bed because those items produce a blue light that can increase your brain activity.
• Keep up with your Appointments:
  • Only cancel your appointments in emergency cases and make sure to reschedule them right away.
• Your Feelings:
  • Let out your feelings and don’t bottle them up.
    • Talk to someone you trust.
    • Journal
    • Call the warmline (for Lehigh County Call 610-820-8451)
    • Text the Crisis line at 741-741
• Know Your Triggers:
  • Make a list of your known triggers and the things that you can do to cope with your known triggers if you are faced with them.
• Practice Different Kinds of Coping Skills/Relaxation Techniques:
  • Use and practice them often so that when you need them the most they are the most effective.
  • You will be able to recall more strategies under times of great distress.
  • You will be able to tell which ones are the most effective.
• Eat Healthy, Well Balanced Meals:
  • Choose healthier options.
  • Less fast, fried and greasy foods.
  • Foods lower in fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
  • Drink lots of water, less soda, and less sugary sports drinks.
  • Smaller portion sizes.
• Don’t Isolate:
  • Isolating is a major warning sign of an oncoming depression episode.
    • Even if you really don’t want to, try to talk to at least one person a day. Or leave your house at least once a day when you feel like isolating.
• Take at least 30 Minutes a Day for Yourself:
  • Treat yourself to something you like even if it’s something small or seems silly. You have to take that YOU time to maintain your sanity and mental health especially if you are surrounded by people all day.
    • Take a bath.
    • Take a walk.
    • Play with a pet.
    • Read a book.
    • Listen to the music.
    • Or for the busy mom’s out there; sit on the toilet in peace!