TAKING care of one’s self is a must. It will help improve your disposition—your mental health. Mental health is not just the absence of a mental disorder; it also determines how you feel about yourself and how you relate with others. It also checks on how you handle the demands of the daily grind.
One of the most important ways of handling stress is “self-care” or caring for yourself. Many of us tend to forget about ourselves and the needs of our bodies. The reason may be is our tendency to take care of others first.
For example, parents are more inclined to prioritize their children first. Teachers prioritize their students; priests give importance to their communities and parishes, doctors and nurses have many patients every day.
Mental health workers – guidance counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals - also tend to work 24/7 like doctors and other life-saving workers. Clients can call and text them anytime, sometimes in the middle of the night. Even friends are in difficult situations that they want to pour out about.
These people tend to absorb emotional problems and challenges of others that it can get draining.
Here are some tips on how to take good care of yourself. Make sure that there is a balance between your work/school, time for relaxation, fun and relationships. We also need to have a high sense of resiliency.
S – Sleep at least eight hours a day
E – Exercise and eat healthy. Have a balanced meal.
L – Laugh and enjoy life.
F – Free yourself from worrying (there is a solution to every problem)
C – Confide to a family member or friend. Share about your day.
A – Ask help from God
R – Relax. Do something you like doing (have a massage, a manicure, play sports)
E – Express your thoughts and feelings
Deep breathing exercises and meditations also help. Remember, every person is different.
If you feel you are stressed out, call Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Bacolod
Office at 433-8868 or email this columnist at jet.octaviano@gmail.com