With the current state of affairs in the world, it is only natural that our mental health may be experiencing an onslaught of unrest. Anxiety is rampant – from worrying about jobs and financial stability to adapting to virtual work and schooling or anything else your life looks like currently. It’s enough to make anyone cranky, overwhelmed, or worse yet – cause more serious issues such as depression or suicidal feelings. Although anxiety can feel all-encompassing at times, even amidst challenging circumstances you can still foster a healthy attitude towards your wellness and wellbeing. In this blog post, we will discuss how adults can practice self-care techniques mentally so that they will live healthier lives despite their big worries.
The first step is understanding what triggers your anxiety and learning how to deal with it effectively. Identifying the source of your anxious feelings can help you better understand why they’re arising and make helpful decisions about how to cope with them. Once you identify the trigger, talk yourself through it; use positive affirmations, grounding techniques, or deep breathing exercises to help manage your anxiety. It may also be beneficial to seek out professional help if the anxious feelings become too overwhelming or are becoming a regular occurrence in day-to-day life.
Another important component of mental wellness is finding ways to cope with anxious thoughts. Try to establish a regular meditation practice and take short breaks throughout the day to clear your mind, take some deep breaths, and focus on yourself. Additionally, take time for activities that you enjoy and make you feel relaxed such as reading, taking a walk or listening to music. These activities can be calming not only for your mind but also for your body.
Prioritizing healthy habits is also an important part of nurturing adult mental health amidst anxiety. Eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep (7-8 hours per night), exercising regularly and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are all essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. It’s also important to recognize that although you can’t control the external environment, you can control how much time and energy you give to it. Try to limit your exposure to negative news or overextend your schedule with a list of unrealistic goals.
Finally, work on building strong relationships with those around you, especially in times of anxiety. It’s important to have an outlet for venting frustrations and discussing challenges openly in order to feel supported by others. Additionally, having meaningful conversations (even virtually) is also beneficial as it allows us to develop a sense of connectedness which helps mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In conclusion, fostering mental wellness amidst anxiety is possible if we prioritize self-care techniques such as meditation, engaging in activities that reduce stress, and eating nutritious meals. It is also essential to practice healthy habits, limit overexposure to negative news and build strong relationships with those around us. With these steps in place, we can nurture our adult mental health even amidst the most challenging of times.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues, Life Enrichment Counseling Center can help. Our compassionate team of experienced counselors provides comprehensive services to support you during difficult times. We understand that it takes courage to reach out for help and our goal is to be there every step of the way as you work towards emotional wellness. Our offices are located in Gainesville and Alexandria and we’re here for you in person and by Telehealth. Contact us today to learn how our adult counseling services can help you on your journey to better mental health.