By Adrian Zupp
We try to cover as much ground as possible in the Military Pathways® blog about military mental health, and approach things from a variety of angles. Today, just to mix things up a little, we are going to offer up some valuable tips we’ve learned along the way writing about mental health and resiliency in the military population.
Never Underestimate the Power of a Friend
Human contact is an important part of keeping your mental health strong. Whether in a group, with a special friend, or intimacy with your partner, we all benefit from being among people. When depressed, for example, some feel the counterproductive urge to lock themselves away and cut themselves off from people. But it’s important to break out of that: even if it’s gradual and done only through phone calls. We gain energy from others.
Time Out!
Life is busy. Work, social commitments, family, finances, housework…it’s a long list. But what about you? Do you ever really stop and have some “me time”? This can be anything that helps you feel relaxed and gets you away from the tangle of responsibilities of everyday life, and clears your head. Whether you prefer a long walk, meditating, playing with your child, or taking a drive in the country, as long as it is something you enjoy, it will contribute to your good mental health. However, if your method of relaxation includes relying on alcohol, you may want to look into whether you have a problem with alcohol.
You Get Your Car Serviced….
But do you look after yourself as well? You want clean oil in your car, but do you eat greasy food? Your body and mind are the most important things you have. Nourish them, rest them and give them what they need to stay in good shape.
Give a little, Get a lot
There are so many advantages to volunteerism – it’s one of those rare everybody-wins situations. Just by giving a little of your time to a worthy cause you’ll feel better about yourself and, more than likely, meet some new people. You don’t have to do something you think you “should” do to feel good. It can be for a political campaign, helping some neighbor with his gardening or whatever else would be enjoyable. If you don’t know of any opportunities, try Volunteer Match.
Live in the Moment
Being aware of yourself in the here-and-now is also called mindfulness. Take time out every now and then to focus on how you feel inside, your breathing, your surroundings. Feel the warmth of the sun or enjoy the chirping of the birds. Let your thoughts come and go without judging them. Simply be present.
Modern life has taken us too far from our natural pace and instincts. For our mental health’s sake, we need to make a deliberate effort to get back to the roots of our being, to strip away the pressures, to enjoy some calm, to congregate with others in a non-pressure environment, to fuel ourselves well and to sometimes simply stop and take a break.
Stop Stressing
If you find yourself clenching your teeth, muttering under your breath or snapping at people, chances are pretty good that you are suffering from stress. Stress can be detrimnetal to your physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are several ways you can manage stress. If you feel like your constant stress may be PTSD, anxiety or depression, take a free, anonymous online screening.
Adrian Zupp is the marketing writer for Screening for Mental Health.
