women in medicine

Mental health awareness should be an  everyday subject  because it is  important as much as our physical health. It really takes courage for someone to say that “I am not Ok”; and I want to tell you that it is Ok not to be Ok.  For Mental Health Awareness Month, I have put together 14 tips to help you boost your mental health this month.

1. Focus on relaxing today. It’s okay not to be Ok.

2. Work your strengths to build self-confidence.

3. Create a sacred space for yourself.

4. Practice mindfulness today. Be present at the moment, feel the air that you are breathing, the water falling down your body in the shower, forget about the past or future. You are breathing, you are doing the best you can

5. Practice gratitude with a journal. What are the things you are grateful for? Even on a bad day, there is always something to be grateful for. Write it down each day.

7. Read something that will help your mental health or watch a movie that will make you smile. A favorite book, an informative blog post, or a live comedy show

8. Choose a daily affirmation and repeat it to yourself throughout the day. Practice positive self-talk. This is by far my best one and it works wonder for me

9. Check out some apps that might help you focus more, calm you down and focus on your mental wellbeing. (Pacifica, calm, The Safe Place)

10. What are your top three intentions for each day and how can you meet them?

11. Set up a getaway/date night for yourself or with your closed friends. It could be camping, hang out on the couch with a movie or sleep under the stars. The act of planning a getaway can boost your overall mood. (You can do it alone since we are in quarantine)

12. Are you too hard on yourself? I know you may have a lot on your plate but go to bed early and disconnect your self. Get that extra hour of sleep or two.

13. Work on coping skills you’ve neglected. You know all the things that will help you. So, soak up in one of them. (guided meditation, breathing exercises, therapy) Focus on the positive side as much as you can.

14. Take a warm bath every time you can. Epsom salts are good to soothe aches and pains and help boost magnesium levels.