Mental Health Awareness Month-Stress
By Ashley Aiton
Arthur Ashe once said “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” We here at the clinic believe in this statement. We know that everyone is at a certain place in their own personal progression and we are here to help you where you are today.
May is Mental Health Awareness month and the clinic would like to focus on a different mental health topic every week to help those who feel as though they are struggling. We know that everyone is at different points in their lives. We are here to support the Rexburg community and every individual that is here. No matter where they are on their journey. No one should feel as though they have to walk through trials on their own. We are here to provide support because we believe in “Neighbors helping neighbors”
These blogs will provide basic ideas on what individuals can do to help their overall mental wellness. However, the clinic also provides professionals who are offering mental health services. We would like to invite those who feel as though they are struggling to make an appointment with our professionals at the clinic. They would love to meet with you and help you in any way they can.
This week we will be focusing on stress and how to cope with stress in our lives. The first way that the CDC recommends coping with stress is by taking care of your body first. Their recommendations include..
1. Taking deep breaths
2. Stretching
3. Meditating
4. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
5. Exercise
6. Lots of sleep
7. Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink in moderation (2 drinks or less in a day for men; 1 drink or less in a day for women)
8. Avoid misusing prescription opioids and avoid using illicit opioids.
9. Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
10. Vaccinations
11. Cancer screenings
When we are physically healthy we are able to focus on our mental health and feel stronger overall.
The CDC also recommends taking breaks throughout the day in order to breathe and relax. This helps you feel less stressed and feel as though you have time to relax. Use these times productively. Do not simply step away and check social media. Step away from your tasks and breath, go for a walk, talk to a friend, etc.
Goal setting is also key in times of stress. Take a step back and set some goals. Set some short-term and long-term goals. These goals need to be SMART goals (meaning Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely). Achieving a goal helps us feel in control of our lives and reduces stress. When we can check off these goals we also feel that sense of accomplishment. This is why these goals need to be Attainable. When those times of stress come, remind yourself of the goals that you set. Remind yourself what you are working towards.
For those who are not struggling but looking to help those around them the best thing you can do is reaching out and showing them you are there and love them. The CDC states “Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of stress, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through visits, phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less stressed.”
Finally it is important to remember to find things that bring you true joy in life and work towards focusing daily on these things. For many individuals this could be their faith, nature, disconnecting from social media, etc.. The goal is to find something that grounds you. Focus on this in times of stress. Focusing on something of higher importance can help you find greater joy and peace in your day to day lives.
Once again we would like to remind everyone that they do not need to go through stressful times on their own. Simply talking to others can be helpful. Set an appointment today. Do not struggle in silence. We are here because we care.
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Rexburg Free Clinic
Stress and Coping Resources. (2021, July 20). CDC.Gov. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/index.htm