UPDATED: 11/29/2023 So, I’ve discussed ways we can take care of someone going through depression and anxiety in one of my previous blogs. However, we must take care of ourselves as well. As the old saying goes, ‘we must help ourselves before we help anyone else.’ There are many ways we can improve our mental well-being that can be fun and affordable. I know for most of us, the last thing we want to do exercise and would prefer to lay in our beds and binge watch our favorite TV shows. However, physical activity is one of the most well-known and effective stress-reducing tools. According to an article published on Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can help ease anxiety and depression by releasing chemicals, like endorphins, that make us feel good. Physical activity, like walking and jogging, can also be a great way to socialize with other people, which is also good for our mental health. The article also states to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure it won't negatively impact your health. Another physical activity that can be helpful is gardening. A 2018 study shows gardening can lower blood pressure and restore strength and dexterity. It can also increase social interaction, which can lower the risk of dementia. I find learning new skills that use my brain power can be another great stress reducing tool. For example, I’m currently learning to develop web pages on an app called Sololearn. Not only does it teach me skills that are valuable in the job market, it also increases my focus on solving problems instead of my daily stressors. Studies show learning new skills can increase self-confidence, give you a sense of purpose, and connect with other people. If you don’t have time to learn new skills, I highly recommend enrolling in a self-paced online class. There are websites, like Coursera and Edx, that offer free self-paced college courses on a variety of subjects including psychology, philosophy, and science. Learning another language can also be fun and engaging. Two of the most popular language learning websites you’ve probably heard of are Duolingo (what I currently use to learn Japanese) and Babbel. There is also another website I heard from a co-worker called Mango Languages which can be free to use through select libraries, schools, and organizations. For libraries, you need to have a library card because it will ask for the barcode number. It is critical for those who are experiencing major health conditions, such as cancer, to take care of their mental health as well. According to a 2022 article published by the National Cancer Institute, it is likely that stress can indirectly increase the risk of cancer. An example the article provides is “...people under chronic stress may develop certain unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, overeating, becoming less active, or drinking alcohol, that are themselves associated with increased risks of some cancers.” A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most frightening things, a person and their loved ones, can hear. Luckily, there is support to help you and your loved ones through this challenging time. In June 2023, The Mesothelioma Center published “Mental Health and Mesothelioma.” The article provides helpful tips for people diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and can occur in the lining of other organs, on how to care for their mental health. The tips in the article not only come from health experts but from mesothelioma survivors as well. It's important to take care of ourselves, especially during stressful situations. Having time to relax will allow us to think more clearly, boost our mood and solve problems more effectively. I strongly advise you to speak to a medical professional if your mental health is disrupting your daily routine or is getting worse.
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AuthorHello, My name is Ashley Downes, I'm a graduate student who has an interest in mental health, film/TV, and music and wants to share that with others. I'm NOT a mental health professional and my blogs AREN'T meant to be a replacement for mental health services such as therapy. Archives
October 2022
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