It can be all too easy to get caught up in the needs of others—spouses, children, family members, coworkers, friends, or anyone else in your life. But often, the needs of others come at the sacrifice of our own well-being. That’s why this May, Hancock Health invites you to prioritize your mental health, and remember it’s perfectly okay to take time for yourself.
Coping with stress can be difficult.
That’s why it’s so important to check in with yourself before you burn out. Take a moment to think about the things in life that are causing you the most stress. While it’s completely normal to feel the effects of worry on occasion, chronic stress can quickly become debilitating. If you feel like everything is just becoming too much, try a few of these tips to relieve stress:
Just say no. If too many obligations are the source of your worries, don’t be afraid to turn some things down in favor of your mental health.
Breathe easier. Mindful breathing exercises are a great way to calm yourself down and mitigate stress.
Take a walk. Simple exercise and mindful walking can be a great way to help reduce the amount of stress you’re feeling.
Be aware of depression and anxiety symptoms.
We’ve all heard of seasonal affective disorder, or the “winter blues” hitting us when the weather gets cold, but depression in the springtime is just as common. Keep an eye on your mental health, and don’t ignore symptoms of depression if you start to feel them coming on.
Anxiety can be a common mental health issue as well—and if you’re dealing with the stress of caring for others on top of your own stress, your anxiety could be compounded. Managing your depression and anxiety symptoms can be exhausting, but there are several ways to put your mental health back at the forefront of your mind:
Meditation. Practicing mindfulness through meditation can be hard to justify when you have a busy schedule, but even if you meditate for just five to ten minutes a day, it can make a huge difference.
Spend time with your friends. It’s fine to spend time alone while you’re resting your body and mind, but being around other people can give you a much-needed burst of joy.
Set the drinks aside. It might be easy to think you can avoid your problems by drinking. But cutting down your alcohol intake can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and even help you sleep better.
Whatever may be going on in your life, it’s never a bad time to check in with yourself and see how you’re doing. If you need a break, take one. And if you need professional help, seek it out. Hancock Health’s mental health and counseling services are here for you, for whatever your needs may be.
EN 
ES 
DE 
FR 
ZH 
JA