Self-Care for Improved Mental Health

By Kathleen Smith,  Nurse/Case Manager for Newaygo County Mental Health

May is Mental Health month and what better way to focus on mental health than self-care! During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that it is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, loss of control, uncertainty, or perhaps being overwhelmed by all of the information coming at you all at once. It is essential to remember that some of these feelings and emotions can cause changes to our physical and mental health. Increased stress and anxiety can cause fatigue, body aches and sore muscles, headaches, upset stomach or heartburn, and changes in sleep patterns. Self-care is the key to balance. 
There are steps that you can take to do self-care to decrease stress and anxiety, while improving your physical health. Here are areas you can focus on:
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Mental Health

• Take breaks from social media and the news. Repeated exposure to information about the pandemic can cause an increase in negative symptoms. 
• Create a schedule or routine while you are at home. Having a plan helps a person feel in control and focused.
• Approach activities using mindfulness and purpose. This allows you to enjoy the activity fully, without distractions.
• Listen to your favorite music or read a book that you have put off. Allow yourself to disengage from daily work activities, while focusing on one thing you enjoy.
• Turn to your faith or personal beliefs for support. 
• Take a few minutes to meditate, focusing on your presence of mind and body. 
• Talk to someone. It is important to reach out to someone you trust and who will listen to your fears, anxieties, and concerns.

​Physical Health

• Get outside. Fresh air, stretching, and movement are good for the body. It helps decrease fatigue and sore muscles. Take slow, long, deep breaths to clear your mind.
• Eat healthy. With extra time at home many are rediscovering a passion for cooking and baking. Remembering to balance your diet between all of the food groups 
• Drink plenty of water and be mindful of caffeine intake. It is easy to overdo it on caffeine, which can lead to increased health issues, as well as affect sleep patterns.
• Get plenty of sleep. Being well rested helps decrease anxiety and stress levels. 
• Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages can cause a variety of mental and physical health concerns. It can disrupt sleep patterns as well as increase depressive symptoms. 
•   Set up an exercise routine. This does not mean you need to run a marathon; however, you can take simple steps to improve your physical health by walking, yoga, dancing, and playing with your pets both inside and outside of the home. 

Take time for yourself. Be present and mindful in all that you do. Your mental health and physical health affect each other. Please remember, if you are in need of assistance, contact your provider or Newaygo CMH for assistance. As a reminder, Newaygo CMH is available 24/7 for people in crisis.  Our crisis line is 231-689-7580.

​You can also visit our website at www.newaygocmh.org.