Mindfulness in the morning
Before the start of your day, take 10-15 minutes to engage in a mindfulness activity to promote stress reduction, which can reduce your overall stress levels throughout the remainder of your day. Whether it is stretching, yoga, quiet sitting, or deep breathing, seek to prioritize what is important to you and set the tone for your day.
Engage in a hobby
Hobbies encourage creative ways to seek joy and relax. A few examples you might want to try:
- Learning a new musical instrument
- Arts and crafts
- Enrolling in a dance class
- Photography
- Gardening
- Participating in outdoor activities
- Bird watching
Eat well
Fuel your mind with the right nutrients. Eating well can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Consult with your provider as needed.
Prioritize sleep
Optimizing a healthy sleep cycle by establishing routine is beneficial to finding and maintaining sleep. Seek to turn off all electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, television, etc.) approximately 30-60 minutes before sleep, allowing your body and mind time to shift into a more relaxed state.
Seek social connections
Building social connections can provide support and enhance your sense of belonging and happiness.
- Spend time with love ones.
- Seek out new social groups or clubs with similar interests.
- Give yourself permission to meet new people at work or in your community.
Brought to you by Matthew Gilbert, LMFT, and Valley’s Psychiatry & Counseling Clinic.
