May 10, 2022

The Struggle is Real

Uncertainty is running rampant in our lives right now. The pandemic is still not over, inflation is on the rise, war, major rulings in our judicial system are being challenged… what next?

Dr. Garbor Mate states in his book, When the Body Says NO, “three factors that universally lead to stress: uncertainty, the lack of information and the loss of control”. 

Right now, we are facing a whole new level of “uncertainty” which means our stress levels are even more elevated. Consistently elevated stress levels lead to stress OVERLOAD which has a major impact on our mental health.

How does stress overload show up in our mental health?... increased anxiety, increased irrational worrying about things you have no control over, insomnia, increased irritability, noticeable increase or decrease in sleep and eating, apathy, lethargy…

Wondering what your stress level is and want some personalized stress reducing suggestions? Take a short stress quiz.

Are you depressed? Anxious? Is your youth suffering? Check here and take one of the confidential  MHA Mental Health Tests.

YES! The struggle is real and that is why it is so important to keep up our regular and consistent self-care.

How does regular self-care STRENGTHEN our mental health? 

Self-care activates the “calming and digesting” nervous system to help lower our stress levels and helps our bodies and brains relax, rest, and recharge.

It only takes 30 seconds to activate the relaxing part of your brain!

Keeping our self-care super simple helps too. Don’t OVERthink it and here are some simple examples: 

1. Be in the Moment… Deep breaths while wiggling your toes. Listen to the birds outside.
2. Move… Take a 5-10 minute walk outside. Dance.
3. Laugh… Watch a funny animal video. Read a joke or funny short story.
4. Brain Dump… Journal. Read scripture. Pray. Meditate.

My challenge for you this week, my friend, find one thing that helps bring you some calm and do it regularly and often!

Hugs, 

Rita ❤

Look below to see a few of the past self-care tips you may have missed. More to be added as time goes on.

SAVE THE DATE... May 14th is the next Pamper ME! Self-Care Experience

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Take care of your body, it is the only one you will ever own!