So, you go to the gym three times a week, order that yummy kale salad and sleep eight hours a night; but what do you do to care for your mental health? I had a salad joke, but I tossed it. You know life expectancy would grow immeasurably if vegetables smelled as good as pizza.
But truly, how is your emotional well-being these days? Do you know how to manage or even regulate your emotions? Start by identifying your feelings, sweet friends. When was the last time you felt jealous or angry? Did you admit it to yourself? The truth is that we need to know what is causing those emotions in order to work through them.
If your feelings are getting the better of you, take a deep breath and simply observe what is going on within you. Perhaps you need to set boundaries with some people in your life. Do not fall victim to unhealthy relationship dynamics by constantly seeking approval or people-pleasing behavior.
You have the right to protect your emotional energy and, yes, it is okay to say “no” to some folks. You may be relying on social media way too much or defaulting to online interactions. Do not. Stop checking your WhatsApp chat every ten seconds. Please do not fall for those socially crafted personas they post on Instagram.
Detox from that plastic world and pursue a real human connection. Positive social relationships will determine your overall happiness. Spend some quality time with friends and family. Nurture your interpersonal relationships in the real world.
Do you have a goal or even a hobby that you are stimulated and steamed up about? Find something so joyful that it makes you lose track of time. While you’re at it, do some deep breathing and muscle relaxation to enhance your inner peace and well-being.
Having a bad day should not be your new normal. Believe it or not, you have the power to not have a bad day. We must all train our brains to see and look for the beauty of life.
Develop a healthy lifestyle. Then again, they say: The trouble with jogging is that by the time you realize you’re not in shape for it, it’s too far to walk back. But truly, take that probiotic and make yourself a savory, hot chicken soup. Treat yourself to that flavored herbal tea in a ceramic mug. But I would avoid the sushi if I were you. It’s a little fishy.
But truthfully, do one thing at a time. When you try to do everything on your “to do” list all at once, it will leave you with a whole lot of unfinished things.
For mercy’s sake, please laugh more, sweet friends. Laughter activates the release of your happy hormones. It spreads joy to those around you and lightens your negative feelings. If you want to feel more valuable in your life, help someone else. It will expand your perspective and help you exercise your empathy and thoughtfulness.
Was your day a tad worse simply because you did not prepare the night before? Morning is far from the ideal time to prep for the day. Take a few moments the night before to save you from being frazzled and stressed out the next day. Listen, I’d like mornings better if they just started later. Then again, it’s been said: There should be a rule against people trying to be funny before the sun comes up.
Give yourself a booster shot of self-belief. Remind yourself that you’ve got this. Create a routine to de-stress. What works for you? Listening to your favorite music, reading that engaging novel, or taking a hot shower? You know, it’s been said: A hit is a song that makes you think you can sing.
By all means, slow down. Take your sweet time and stop rushing through life. Focus on what you are doing right now and learn how to be in the present moment. I know they say that money can’t buy happiness. Maybe they have never ordered something from Amazon and got it the next day. Certainly, you think that filling up your Amazon cart will usher in sunshine and rainbows and put you on cloud nine. But know this: It’s the small things that you do for yourself that will truly make a difference.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.
