Great Lakes Wire

We all experience stress differently and have unique ways of managing it. Some people prefer physical activities like walking or running, while others engage in hands-on activities such as baking, knitting, or painting. Communication with friends or loved ones, meditation, journaling, or therapy are also common methods to cope with stress and mental health issues.

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is crucial for overall quality of life and goes beyond the absence of mental illness. Practicing self-care is important for maintaining mental health and can support treatment and recovery for those with mental illnesses.

Self-care involves dedicating time to activities that promote well-being and improve both physical and mental health. This practice can help manage stress, reduce illness risk, and increase energy levels. Even small acts like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating can significantly impact one's life.

However, there are ineffective coping mechanisms that some individuals resort to when dealing with mental health problems. These include substance abuse (such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption), impulsive spending leading to financial issues, oversleeping which may cause depression-related symptoms, avoiding issues which resurface later on stronger than before; binge eating or restricting nutrition causing severe health problems; self-harm; isolation from friends/loved ones; risky behaviors (like speeding); negative self-talk about oneself/situations experienced negatively previously encountered situations excessively consuming screen time through phones/tablets/TVs etcetera.

Effective management often requires addressing stressful situations directly despite discomfort involved therein due acceptance reality confronting daunting tasks ahead knowing healing process non-linear nature involving ups-downs along way normalizing experience grace-kindness toward oneself akin friend-like communication style employed hereuntoforthwith encouragement thereof suggested strategies inclusive getting enough sleep maintaining routine schedules identifying triggers keeping track reactions seeking professional assistance navigating emotions/addictions engaging outdoor/nature-based activities sports/exercise/stretching/walking creative outlets writing/drawing feelings deep breathing exercises news/social media/phone breaks exploring interests/hobbies trying new things daily routines incorporating breaks celebrating achievements asking help severe cases joining support groups connecting online communities safe spaces talking caring non-judgmental individuals openness advice sharing safe relationships partners involvement sports teams school religious/spiritual organizations volunteering causes passionate about pursuing learning more SBAM Wellness Program available sbam.org/wellness-program

This article was provided by OnSite Wellness.