Taking Time to Recharge

​By Katherine

In the 21st century there has been an increase in discussions regarding mental health, along with more treatments and resources available to those who are struggling. With hotlines, psychiatrists, therapists, and more, many have been able to find relief. While it is always best to seek professional help when struggling, it is also important to make sure that one takes care of themself at home. How do you spend your free time? Who is your support system? It takes more than one hour a week to maintain one’s mental health and therefore it is important to make sure that one takes care of it everyday.
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    I have found simple ways to relieve my anxiety and put me in a better mood. Going for jogs, writing, hiking, photography, painting, drawing, playing video games, being outside, meditating, and reading are just some of the ways I have been taking care of myself. Although these are simple hobbies, doing them often and ensuring that I always have something to look forward to has dramatically improved my mental health. Being outdoors and exercising have not only improved my mental health but my physical health as well. I find myself having more stamina and feeling more energized. Through more calming hobbies such as writing, painting, etc, I am able to relax and calm my mind, enabling me to handle stress in a healthier way. 

    These hobbies are just a few of many that one can do to help in maintaining one’s mental health. Find something you enjoy doing, pursue it and you will find yourself in a better mood. Whether you enjoy sports, working out, crafts, games, going to museums, thrifting, gardening, etc, there is something out there for everyone. Make sure to go outdoors even for just a little bit everyday, soaking up some Vitamin D can also help your physical wellbeing. If you have a dog, take them for a walk, play fetch, it’ll mean the world to them and will leave you smiling as well. 

It is also important to ensure that you have a support system at home. Whether that includes family members, friends, a significant other, etc, you should have someone that you can count on and reach out to when you need it. Everyone needs a support system, even if they’re not currently struggling, we all need someone we can rely on and go to when there are challenging days.

Make sure to take some time for yourself everyday. Life can be hectic with school, work, etc, and therefore it is so important that everyone takes time to relax and unwind and have something to look forward to everyday. These little moments everyday can put you in a better mood, relieve stress, increase confidence, and view life in a more optimistic way.

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