May is mental health awareness month. With our team being optimists and the fact that things seem to be calming down a bit, 2020 taught us to never say never. Also, one of our core values is to ensure others have a better day because of us, so we thought, why not share a few tips on mental health and how to manage the stress of life as we now know it. We know first hand that life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, although we do our best to make it happen. Sometimes things get to be a lot, and we feel the weight of the world pressing down on our shoulders (we’ve all felt it!). We’ve all had days like this, where we’ve just felt overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out. Yes, we’ve all had these feelings, but knowing how to manage them is the battle here.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our CEO Brian Town recently shared this quote with our team in a meeting we had on mental health. Yes, we are that close to one another, and we check in with each other. We care. But the above quote resonated with our team because we all have things in our lives we want to improve. Now, being the problem-solvers that we are, to our team, this means to figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
Show some love to someone in your life. Our team is close to one another. We also value family, friends, and quality relationships. We know they are key to a happy, healthy life. Be sure to check in with your friends and family often. Tell them you love them. Break the stigma of not sharing how you feel about the people that mean something to you.
Go off the grid. Take time for yourself. Assess how you are feeling without your computer, cellphone, and any other interruptions. Spend quality time with your loved ones and be present in the moment. If you’re always looking down at your phone, you’re missing out on the beauty that life really does have to offer. Spend an hour a day or one day a week disconnected from emails, alerts, and distractions.
“What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.” – Henry David Thoreau.
This one may sound a bit weird, but send a thank you note to someone in your life. We don’t mean for a material item, but to let someone know why you appreciate them. A written expression of gratitude is linked to increased happiness. It will make both you and the person receiving it feel good. And, we could all use a smile these days. Be the reason someone smiles today.
Take care of your body. Be mindful of your morning routine, throughout the day, and how you spend your evening. Take care of yourself. Schedule a massage. Exercise daily. Eat healthy. Drink water. And, most of all, sleep well!
Get up from your desk/couch once an hour! Whether you’re still working from home or back in the office, be sure to get up once an hour and move your body. Get the blood flowing, take a break from work, and give your mind a break.
And finally, we always circle back to The Four Agreements. If you haven’t read this book, we highly recommend it. The reasons behind and why these are important will help make life just a bit easier. The Four Agreements are:
Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.
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This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage all to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition. And, if you need someone to talk to, please reach out to your physician or another qualified health professional. We know this may be a little different from a typical blog most are used to seeing from Michigan Creative, but mental health is very important. Stay well, friends!