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Mental Health & Self-Care Tips

If you are on this page you or someone you know may be having challenges with mental health. I assure you that you’ve come to the right place for resources and support.

I have co-morbid disorders, which means more than one co-occurring mental health condition. I’ve experienced ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Disorders, Bipolar, and Psychosis. All of which are temporary and can change on a daily basis, but can be traumatic in the moment. I believe that labels do not need to define who we truly are, but knowing the root of the cause can be conducive for treatment and healing. 

Recovery requires a lot of self-work, maintenance, support, self-love, and consistency. I am sharing the following tools with you because many of these techniques continue to help me cope and live a happy and meaningful life. If they help me, I truly believe many of these tips and resources will help you too! 

MENTAL HEALTH:

HOTLINES:

THERAPY:

COMMUNITY & SUPPORT GROUPS: 

MENTAL HEALTH APPS & PODCASTS:

MEDICATION

  • Speak to your doctor and/or get referred to a psychiatrist to be diagnosed if you think you may be suffering from a mental health condition and find out if you’d benefit from medication. 
  • Be patient as it can take time and medication adjustments for it to work effectively. Always take medication as prescribed and follow the advice of your doctor. 

MORE RESOURCES:

SELF-CARE: 

Self-care is critical to our mental health and emotional well-being. When you prioritize yourself, you not only ensure you are the best “you” possible, but you also reinvigorate yourself. You have more energy and joy to give in other areas of your life. The following are some tools to guide you in the process.

EXERCISE & DIET

NATURAL REMEDIES & AT HOME SELF-CARE

INCREASE HAPPINESS

  • Increase your happiness! The Art of Living has a fantastic Happiness Program. They incorporate breathing exercises, meditation, and philosophies to help increase overall happiness and find joy in your life. I took the program & highly recommend it. Find a local Art of Living Centre, Find a Happiness Course near you.
  • Use Shawn Achor’s 6 Tips for Happiness. These really helped when I was at my lowest.
    • Gratitude Exercises. Write down three things you’re grateful for that occurred over the last 24 hours. Ex. a really good cup of coffee or the warmth of a sunny day.
    • The Doubler. Take one positive experience from the past 24 hours and spend two minutes writing down every detail about that experience. As you remember it, your brain labels it as meaningful and deepens the imprint.
    • The Fun Fifteen. Do 15 minutes of a fun cardio activity every day. The effects of daily cardio can be as effective as taking an antidepressant.
    • Every day take 2 minutes to stop whatever you’re doing and concentrate on breathing. Even a short mindful break can result in a calmer, happier you.
    • Conscious act of kindness. At the start of every day, send a short email or text praising someone. Our brains become addicted to feeling good by making others feel good.
    • Deepen Social Connections. Spend time with family and friends. Our connections are one of the best predictors for success and health and even life expectancy.

CREATIVITY

  • Find a creative outlet. Channel your Pain Into Power by transmuting stress into something positive and meaningful to you. Writing lyrics & singing really helps me turn my pain into something artful. Find something you enjoy! (Dancing, art, cooking, music, skating, photography, etc.)

SLEEP HYGIENE 

I’ve been dealing with insomnia & sleep paralysis for years. Sleep hygiene has helped me manage it.

  • Sleep 7-8 hours.
  • Create a bedtime routine (Eg. reading, meditating, taking a bath, etc.)
  • Avoid stimulants: Caffeine, chocolate, and nicotine can keep you awake.
  • Schedule your sleep. Go to bed & wake up at the same time every day to establish a regular sleep-wake cycle.
  • Stop using electronics or watching TV an hour or two before bed. The blue light may interfere with your body’s production of melatonin & keep you awake.
  • Natural supplements for sleep have worked well for me. Please consult your doctor before trying anything. I recommend melatonin, magnesium, valerian root.
  • Make your bedroom cool and comfortable. Keep your room dark, turn down the thermostat, use soft bedsheets, only use your bedroom for sleep or sex.
  • Use essential oils on your skin, pillow, or in a diffuser for relaxation before bed.
  • If you wake up in the middle of the night it’s best to get out of bed and do some monotonous activity (ie. reading on the couch) in dim lighting. After 15 minutes go back to bed and try to fall asleep again.
  • Go to a sleep clinic if you’re unable to resolve the issue yourself. You may need assistance from a doctor.

Read more on Sleep & Mental Health.

Please prioritize your mental health and make time for self-care & balance in your lifestyle. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. The better we feel inside, the better we are able to live fulfilling lives and have loving relationships with ourselves and others.

I am honored to be a small part of your healing journey. Feel free to reach out anytime at arimusicnet@gmail.com. 

Love & Light,
X.ARI

Copyright 2021 X.ARI. All Rights Reserved.