ACE Mental Health

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH! Positive Mental Health can effect so many aspects of our lives. Think about the worst day you’ve had and how your mindset effected all other issues during your day..It’s how we got the phrase bad hair day! Once our minds are set in a negative direction, our outlook on the events that follow tend to take a negative tone as well. How can we RE-FRAME a negative mindset? First, it’s important to KEEP NEGATIVE EVENTS IN CONTEXT. A traffic ticket on t...he way to work has nothing to do with an angry customer, coffee spilled on your favorite slacks or that paperwork you didn’t finish correctly the day before. All of those things can add up to a rough day, but dealing with each situation separately; allowing yourself a cooling off period after each incident may keep you moving forward without dread. Second, POSITIVE SELF-TALK can remind you that these incidents are not personal. While they are happening to you personally, they are not happening to you because of WHO you are. In other words, you’re not cursed, ugly, stupid, inconsiderate, doomed, etc. Remind yourself that you are intelligent, kind and well-meaning and you can get back on track. Next, PROCESS WITH A FRIEND. Talk out your troubles with someone who can empathize and encourage you. Sometimes we just need to hear, That really sucks! followed by I’m hoping (praying) that you’re day is going to get better. It’s good to hear that someone understands and has your back when you are down. We live in a fast-paced society that doesn’t often allow for bad days. Communicate your frustration and pay it forward when people need to vent to you. Finally, SELF CARE!! If you’ve had a rough day, don’t force yourself to keep moving forward without rest. Cancel dinner plans that you weren’t looking forward to, set aside homework (until you’ve rested and cleared your head), take a walk, go to the gym, eat comfort food (it’s ok to have mac n’ cheese and cheesecake together once-in-a-while) and go to bed early. These may be things we can’t do consistently, but it’s okay to nurse a rough day or bad mood with some indulgences and self care now and then. Positive Mental Health is important to our attitude, physical health, relationships, job performance and ability to move forward in a society of high demands. Give yourself the gift of LIKING YOU! Being able to take care of yourself better than others take care of you creates peace, mindfulness and confidence that you are equipped to handle anything that comes your way. BE THE PEACE YOU WANT IN YOUR DAY!