There are many factors that contribute to a person's
mental health, such as stress, physical health, genetics, grief,
or major life events.
At some point in our lives, we all run into problems
that seem too big or too persistent to handle alone. Yet our pride
and fears can get in the way of asking for help. Making the decision
to find help is a sign of strength and courage, and help is available.
It can make the difference between feeling that things are spinning
out of control and gaining new tools to turn life around in positive
ways.
The following are some tips to help you deal with
stress, an important factor related to maintaining your mental
health:
Dealing With Stress
Get active. The body produces chemicals during
physical activity that reduce your stress level and help you
to relax.
Talk to someone you trust about your concerns
or worries. Sharing your thoughts with others can help you keep
your situation in perspective, provides support, and can help
you access resources for help, if needed.
Know your limits. If a problem is beyond your
control, learn to accept it for what it is now, until such time
when you can change it.
Get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable
or tense from lack of sleep or not eating correctly, it is much
harder to deal with stressful situations.
Make time for fun. A break from your daily routine
can help reduce daily stress.
Avoid self-medication. Drugs do not remove the
conditions that caused the stress in the first place. They should
only be taken on the advice of your physician.
Avoiding Stress
Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning.
The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.
Prepare for the morning the evening before. Make
lunches, put out the clothes you want to wear, etc.
Write down appointments. Trying to remember not
to forget can be very stressful.
Make duplicates of all keys. Have a house key
hidden outside, and keep a spare car key with you at all times.
Plan ahead. Don't let the gas tank get below
one-quarter full. Keep a well-stocked "emergency shelf"
of home staples, etc.
Don't put up with something that doesn't work
right. If your alarm clock, shoelaces, windshield wipers, etc.
are a constant aggravation, fix them or get new ones.
Be prepared to wait. A book can make a wait in
a post office or checkout line more enjoyable.
Relax your standards. The world will not end
if the grass doesn't get cut this week or if the couches don't
get vacuumed.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
