A List of Ways to Relax for Mental Health Awareness Month
Q&A With Shay Every Other Sunday
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve been thinking of a blog to contribute that has something to do with mental health. I, like many others, struggle with mental health but even though I write about it in poetry and fiction I don’t always have the easiest time addressing it in blog posts, articles, or on social media where there is less of a creative lens to hide behind and the focus is more on—just me. So, instead of trying to write a post that either doesn’t feel authentic or one I don’t feel comfortable writing about mental health, I decided to compile a list of ways to relax. These are things that sometimes help me (but any of us who struggle know that sometimes there is no helping and the moment simply has to be waited out) and are basically just self-care. Whether they’re needed for a bad day or difficult times or simply just to unwind, it’s important to remember to take time for ourselves and try to be present in that time—though not always easy. These are also probably obvious ways to relax for most of us, but sometimes the reminder that it’s okay to relax helps. So, here’s your reminder!
Q: A list of ways to relax for mental health?
A:
Baths- especially helpful when you have sore muscles or stiffness, which is one of many side effects of dealing with something like anxiety—add some epsom salt to help ease the tension.
A good TV series- put the worry of productivity aside for a bit and allow the time to get lost in a great show.
Books- another good distraction and way to unwind, and you have to be a little more present and focused than you do with a TV series.
Music- personally, I find music crucial for mental health struggles. Connecting with songs and feeling them on a deep level helps us to feel heard and understood.
Snuggle your pet- this goes without saying, but here it is anyway.
A comforting food or beverage- this is something we probably all partake in each day anyway, but be present and really enjoy that food or drink that you look forward to. For me, there is nothing like the first sip of coffee!
Skincare, nail, or haircare- this might not be something you do daily to relax, but setting aside some time for it is a nice change of pace and can help you feel refreshed.
Massage or facial- the ultimate relaxation. Usually a rare treat for most of us, but if you can afford to, scheduling more often could be great for easing tension.
Workouts- not really a way to “relax” I suppose, but working out is a great way to be present and take time for yourself because we all know about the serotonin and the many other benefits of exercise, of course.
A hobby that brings you joy or comfort (not one that feels like work!)- I don’t particularly have any hobbies that make me feel more relaxed. There are things I enjoy doing like painting and taking pictures, but sometimes they add more anxiety, but maybe that’s just because of my anxiety in general. So, if you like to paint or crochet or play guitar or whatever and you don’t feel stress over perfection, but rather a calmness, then make time for it regularly! I think if I tried to address my anxiety and perfectionism over things like this then I would have hobbies that might contribute to relaxation.
Sun- try to get some sun every day as it is another thing thought to release serotonin. If you can’t always get sun (i.e. winter, rain, etc.) there are lamps that can be bought that actually imitate the sun. I don’t have one myself, but thinking it could be a worthy investment for the winter months. I do really love my sun!
Essential oils, diffusers, and candles- pleasant scents obviously create a nicer atmosphere, making you more relaxed. Plus, there are different scents for different goals, which is why I like to use essential oils (when I remember). I always use peppermint essential oil when I have a headache and I actually do think it helps quite a bit. I also hardly ever remember to light candles but whenever I do it creates a relaxing ambiance! My favorite candle, that I still have about six years later, is campfire scented (campfires and fireplaces depending on the season=also lovely ways to relax).
And, for lucky number 13, WRITING of course! This could go under the hobbies category for those who don’t consider themselves writers, but writing in any form whether it be a journal, poems, or even a book is cathartic. For me, I’m not sure it necessarily feels relaxing in the moment I’m writing, and often times it feels like work, because for me it is, but I always feel better afterward, which can only contribute to boosting the mood!
Even though you probably know most of this already, it really is helpful to be reminded about specific things we can do for ourselves during times of distress. Do you have anything to add to the list that works for your relaxation? What do you like to do most to relax or specifically for your mental health?
