boiMAG.com "Mental Health Starts Today" Article

by: Dr. Charla Waxman

To get the most out of life, we all know that we have to take care of ourselves. What does that mean and how do you start? Below are a few ways to get the ball rolling and really start setting patterns for healthy behaviors. Changes can be simple, but the changes should be mindful; that is you should maintain your focus and stay on track. Anyone can do it. How about starting today?

Talk it out: When things go awry, bottling it up only causes resentment, anger, and other feelings that can create toxic outcomes in both personal and professional relationships. Find your “go-to” person; someone you can trust and let feelings fly! Just knowing someone has listened without judgment can help you feel supported. The more you reach out, the better you will get at sorting through your feelings.

Get to know the “E” word: Not everybody likes to exercise. Some of us find it taxing and just can’t seem to get a routine underway. Don’t let yourself off the hook, but you don’t have to be obsessive. Walking in place while watching TV instead of sitting (or laying down!) on the couch can make a bigger difference than you think. When someone calls you on the phone, use the time to move a bit, don’t sit at the table and nosh! Joining a health club at the first of the year has been known to signal failure in just a few weeks as people quit going and waste money. Failures don’t drive motivation. Overall, find opportunities to move. Journal what you have done. If you aren’t feeling a difference, amp it up a bit. Monitor your movement. It will pay off. “E” word #2 is EAT. You probably know what is best for you. If you are really not sure, start with your physician. If you do, pick one meal each day where you are willing to change the comfort-high calorie food choices. You will find, over time, that small changes lead to big changes. Always be willing to ask for help from supportive friends when you need it.

Know the signs of unhealthy choices: This is a broad topic. People, places and situations all apply. What do healthy relationships look like? If a loved one is isolating you from others, controlling even small details of your life, verbally, emotionally, or physically harming you, find help. It should not be happening; there are no excuses and there is no blame for the victim for abuse. If you find that you are overeating, or using substances (drugs or alcohol) to feel complete or confident, you may end up trapped in a cycle of misuse, abuse or addiction. Health means feeling like YOU. Trying to please others or relying on something to make you feel better about yourself is not going to help you live healthy or happy.

Change things up: Get out of your routine. ‘Nuff said. Find something new to do. Look around your community. Where have you not shopped, eaten or enjoyed a movie, play or museum? Alone or with someone, changing things up, however you choose to do it, can really stimulate your senses and help you relax. Be creative. Even going in your closet and finding an old treasure to wear can make things seem fresh and new.

Develop a hobby: Lots of times we put off trying new things and spend our time saying things like, “I always wanted to learn to paint.” What are you waiting for? Give it a shot. Finding yourself in creative ways can be very uplifting. Give yourself time to find the right activity if you are searching. There’s no rush with hobbies!

Be Self-Affirming: Start your day with affirmations. Get yourself a journal. Let yourself see in ink the best of who you are. Many professional athletes use self-affirmation and visualization to be their best. So can you. You have probably heard the saying: You are braver, stronger and smarter than you think. Now put those thoughts into action! Practice makes perfect. Eventually you will look forward to your affirmation times and your confidence and selfacceptance will soar.

Do something nice everyday: What a great goal! This can mean reaching out to an old friend, sending a greeting card, or volunteering. Helping others is differencemaking for all involved.

Make that call: Everyone needs help sometimes. Call a friend, call your local health department, dial an 800 support line like 800 273 TALK, just make that call!

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