There’s no shortage of information out there on ways to take care of your physical health these days. Between COVID-19 and flu season, it’s important to take care of your physical health. However, many often overlook the importance of mental wellness, especially during these challenging times.
Perhaps you feel a little uneasy these days from all the uncertainty surrounding social unrest, COVID-19, and the looming wildfires. At this point, it’s likely that navigating these unprecedented times is really starting to take a toll on the way you feel.
It’s important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health so don’t overlook it! Start by making small changes that can create a healthy routine for better mental wellness. Here are some suggestions…
Let Go Of Perfectionism
Give up on the dangerous idea of perfectionism especially with the holidays quickly approaching. Choose acceptance instead. Some days, good enough is enough. Embrace your imperfections because someone else may see the beauty in your flaws. Love yourself for who you are and don’t worry about meeting anyone else’s standards. As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t say it to someone else, don’t say it to yourself.
Constant perfectionism is dangerous and unhealthy. It’s OK to aim high and have goals in life but be open and flexible to failure. Pushing yourself too hard (physically and mentally) can lead to burnout. Realistic goals will help you feel a great sense of achievement which is wonderful for your confidence and wellbeing.
Manage Stress and Anxiety
Let’s face it, we’re all a little stressed! Whether it’s stress from COVID, work, or anticipation of a big event, stress is a normal part of life. But, for some people, stress is something more. The shortness of breath, sweaty palms, racing heart rate, and ‘butterflies in
your stomach’ feeling never goes away. On the surface, it can be hard to tell the difference between stress and anxiety.
We often use the two words interchangeably, or may even think that they mean the same thing. The truth is anxiety and stress are two different things. Though both are negative experiences, there are some big differences between the two. Stress usually
subsides once the stressor is removed whereas anxiety disorders are constant. Anxiety disorders can be crippling so it’s best to reach out for support.
Build A Good Support System
Surround yourself with people who love and care about you. Strong family and/or social connections are often a great system of support. Be open and discuss your thoughts, feelings, and goals with your group so they can be there for you in good times and in bad.
Remember that your support system should include professional support, too! The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. — 43.8 million, or 18.5 percent — experiences mental illness in a given year. That number continues to rise due to COVID-19. It’s OK to seek help for stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems etc.
At TMS Washington and Psychiatry Northwest, our compassionate team is here to help you be the best version of YOU! Whether it’s through psychotherapy, medications, or TMS Therapy, we can help you be your best self.
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