Hey guys! Today’s post is going to be a little different than my normal posts. My fellow Canadians know that this past Wednesday was #BellLet’sTalk day. For my international followers, this is a day where conversations about mental health are encouraged. With each text, call and use of the hashtag, Bell donates five cents to mental health initiatives. While there are some issues with this campaign, I believe the core idea of talking about mental health is important. That’s why I am writing this post a few days later because we shouldn’t just talk about mental health on one day of the year, but every day.
I have many close friends who have mental illness, but another important aspect is that everyone has mental health. I have learned about mental health and illness in a few of my classes and different workshops (and I am in no means an expert in the topic), but something I learned was the mental health continuum. On the x-axis is mental illness, and on the y-axis is mental health. Which means someone can have a mental illness and have flourishing mental health while someone can have no mental illness but languishing mental health.
All of this means that mental health is important for everyone. While I do not have any mental illnesses, I have experienced periods of low mental health. This time last year was probably one of the lowest points of my life. I have have come a long way, but I still have bad days sometimes. But I have come to learn how to help myself get through it and feel better, and I thought I would share some of them with you guys.
1. Allow yourself to feel all the feelings
Sometimes you just need a good cry. I know that sometimes I try to hold it in and continue doing whatever I’m doing. But I find it’s better to just let it all out. I will just cry and sob my heart out, and then once I have naturally stopped crying that’s when I pick myself up and keep on going. It’s important to acknowledge your feeling instead of bottling them all up.
2. Talk or Write it out
There are times that even after I cried it out that I am still bothered by something. I often find that I need to talk things out with people to really feel better. Last year I was so afraid of sharing some of my feelings with my housemates that I would literally cry in my room while they were in the living room. I eventually got over that and now I am highly fortunate that I feel comfortable talking with my housemates about any of my worries. But if you don’t have someone to talk to, sometimes it’s also helpful to write it all down. The process of writing can help release all those feeling bottled up inside.
3. Do something you love to do
This probably isn’t surprising, but I love to do my makeup. I find that doing my makeup just helps me relax and decompress. My mind isn’t focused on my worries or anxieties but instead on my makeup application. By the time I’m done my makeup I always feel calmer. But for you this might be something else. It could be drawing or cooking or playing an instrument. Just find something that helps bring you some peace of mind.
4. Get some exercise
There is a ton of scientific research that shows that exercising is a mood booster. I find if I am stressed about something it really helps me get it out of my system. Even just going for a walk and getting some change of scenery can help improve your mental state.
5. Pamper yourself
There is a reason why people joke about doing a face mask as a form of self care. Sometimes you just need to take some time and pamper yourself. I shared this on my story last Friday, but I had such a nice self care/pamper night. I worked out and had a nice long, hot shower (baths are nice too if you have one). I lathered myself in nice smelling lotion and put on my comfy sweats. I ate dinner and then sat on the couch the rest of the night. I painted my nails and did a face mask while watching Netflix. It’s nice to do something just for yourself, but of course not using it as an excuse to procrastinate. I felt relaxed and refreshed, ready to do work the next day.
And those are my five very simple tips to help take care of your mental health. I am by no means an expert here, and I really suggest you do your own research along with seeking professional help if you need to.
I hope you guys liked this post. I love talking and discussing all things beauty and makeup, but mental health is also important to me. Take care of yourself my friends ❤
xoxo
Lea
Leave it to Lea 