Tips to bring a sense of renewal
The spring season brings in the sense of renewal for many and with that a desire for “spring cleaning.”
This spring cleaning doesn’t have to be limited to cleaning and de-cluttering a home or office, it can also be a time for tidying up your mind.
Laura McFerrin, a child, adolescent and adult psychotherapist in Shreveport, said, “By most definitions, a person with good mental health is able to handle the everyday stresses of life effectively by using healthy coping skills and effective problem solving strategies.”
To help you better handle those everyday stresses at home and in the office, McFerrin contributes practical tips for rejuvenating your mental health:
Practice positive thinking and focus on solutions. Worrying is a main factor of stress – worrying about completing a big project for work, financial hardships, family situations and so on. Many of these situations are beyond a person’s control, so McFerrin said distinguishing what is and isn’t controllable with help to conquer these stressful thoughts. “Start by making a list of your worries and evaluate each item in terms of whether you have any control or ability to solve the problem,” McFerrin said. “There is much scientific evidence linking chronic worrying to a host of physical health problems. In other words, worrying not only lowers the quality of your mental health, but you medical condition as well.”
Communicate and forgive. Holding on to anger, resentment and bitterness can affect the mental health. McFerrin suggests talking about your feelings with a trusted person, whether that is a good friend or professional counselor or spiritual adviser. “It is natural to feel hurt and angry in response to an offense, however staying angry will ultimately lead to problems in all areas of health including mental, physical and spiritual,” McFerrin said. “This in turn leads to problems and dysfunction at home and in the workplace.”
Get a good night’s sleep regularly.
Though it may be hard to set a “bed time,” it is important to find a way to get those hours of sleep and give your mind and body a chance to rest and re-energize. “The more complicated and irregular a person’s job is the more difficult it is to make a routine. Whatever you can do to get as much consistency and routine in your life,” McFerrin said. “There’s no perfection, but even a person who works all night can find a habit of sleeping roughly the same hours every day.”
Take a time out on technology. In today’s high tech world there are many distractions that keep the mind in hyper drive. Many use technology, like computers, smartphones and iPads, to help relax, entertain, and work and more. While technology is a part of everyday life, it can also serve as a distraction and stimulator of the mind. “Technology can be used for so many good things, but people can get even addicted to the screen,” McFerrin said. “Balance really applies. Too much of a good thing is not good at all. Use technology too many hours a day and things don’t get done – rest, exercise, getting household chores done, getting a balance.”
Exercise regularly and eat a healthy and balanced diet. Taking care of your body can take a load off your mind, and help you maintain a great self-image, confidence and energy. “Exercise whenever it works best for your schedule, whether in the morning or evening time.”
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs that are unhealthy for the mind and body. Limit and/or eliminate your intake of alcohol, tobacco and other non-prescribed drugs can increase your lifespan, physical health and better your personal and professional life.
Participate in an activity or hobby that you enjoy. Whether it’s fishing, crafts, reading or playing a sport, be sure to do something for yourself, and surround yourself with positive people. “It’s important to have social time with friends and to laugh. Laughter is the best medicine,” McFerrin said. “It releases endorphins in the brain, a feel good chemical. If you haven’t been out with friends in a while or haven’t done something fun, make that a priority. It’s important to find that balance.”
Find a good balance in how you spend your time and energy. “Many people fall into the trap of overextending themselves by taking on too many responsibilities and projects. This can lead to a lifestyle of stress, fatigue and a daily experience of ‘burning the candle at both ends,’” McFerrin said. “Evaluate your priorities and remember that a healthy amount of rest should be on the list.”
Go for balance in setting goals. “A goal of perfection is both unrealistic, a set up for disappointment, and can lead to “all or nothing” type of thinking,” McFerrin said. “In general, when setting goals and priorities try to think in terms of what is right, reasonable and healthy.”
– Tiana Kennell
