How Are You Taking Care of You?

As we are observing mental health awareness month, it has me thinking about how I am taking care of myself. Physical health has mostly been the primary focus. We see numerous commercials each day focusing on weight loss, various medications to address physical ailments, beauty products and the list could go on and on. The focus seems to always be on our physical health. It is my belief that mental health is just as important as physical health, and I don't see physical health and mental health being separate from each other. How we take care of our bodies, can impact our mental health - emotions and feelings. In turn, how we take care of our emotions and feelings or the attention we give or don't give to them, can impact our physical bodies. For instance, when feeling sad or down, some may turn to food - overeating or eating unhealthy foods. This overeating or eating unhealthy foods over time can lead to physical impacts, such as weight gain.

This mental health awareness month is a good time to consider how you are taking care of you. This does not have to be complicated. Taking care of yourself can encompass things like how much sleep you are getting each night, how much exercise you engage in, what your diet looks like/foods eaten to support a healthy body, how often you engage in daily self-reflection to be aware of your feelings, how often you engage in activities you enjoy. Taking a holistic look at caring for yourself supports maintaining health on all levels, to include mental health.

Take some time this month to identify one new healthy habit you will develop to support good mental health. One thing I have started doing is mood tracking each day to become more in tune with my emotions and feelings. As you engage in your new healthy habit, journal about your experience and how you feel engaging in that activity.

Take Care of Yourself,

Dr. Daphne