January is Mental WELLNESS Month! Usually our longest and coldest month of the year, it is also a time most of us make resolutions and set new goals. However, many of us find ourselves in a mental slump. This year with social distancing, working, learning and eating at home most of the time, we can find ourselves down in the dumps and stressed. Here are some tips for mental wellness, actions you can take to move yourself forward in a positive way:
- Try daily mindfulness, which means intentionally focusing on what is happening right now, what you're eating, engaging with the ones you're with, being aware of your emotions and taking steps to calm the moment. It allows you to gain control and be more positive.
- Clean negativity out of your life and make a practice of turning to positivity. You can do this by avoiding things like scary or crime dramas, violent video games, dwelling on the news all day. Input the positive by intentionally bringing positive thoughts into your work, school and personal relationships. Open yourself to God's love and guidance - Pray, worship, read your Bible.
- Take good care of yourself, you deserve it! Eat well, get some fresh air and sunshine, exercise regularly, take a warm bath, take the dog for a walk, watch uplifting movies, dance around, go off the grid now and then, SMILE!!
"Sometimes we don't need to add new activities to get more pleasure. We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we've already got."
Romans 12;12 "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
A note about our support groups: The adult group for people who experience mental illness in themselves or loved ones will have one last group tonight,Jan 25th, at 7pm. If no interest, we will cancel until we are able to meet in person. The support group for parents struggling with kids with behavior issues, the pandemic survival, etc is being postponed until we can meet in person. Any concerns please email Sue Fink at billandsue2931@gmail.com.
