Tips to Work on Springtime Mental Health
Spring is the time of year where flowers begin to bloom and life starts fresh. But, even in this time of fresh change, when people are cleaning out their houses and their yards, mental health can still be very difficult to maintain. Below are some tips compiled from the New Mexico Department of Health to take care of mental health in the springtime.
1.Spend time in nature:
Spring is a beautiful season with flowers blooming and trees regaining their lushness. Spending time in nature can help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall mental well-being. You can go for a walk in a park, hike in a forest, or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
2.Get regular exercise:
Exercise has numerous mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving mood, and increasing overall wellbeing. With warmer weather in spring, you can take advantage of outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging, or practicing yoga in the park. Regular physical activity can also help you sleep better, which is essential for good mental health.
3. Practice mindfulness:
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help you cultivate a sense of calm and improve your mental well-being. You can practice mindfulness through activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply being fully present in the moment while engaging in activities like gardening or painting.
4. Connect with others:
Social connection is important for mental health. As the weather gets warmer in spring, you can plan outdoor activities with friends and loved ones, such as having a picnic, going for a bike ride, or organizing a barbecue. Spending time with others, even virtually if needed, can help reduce feelings of loneliness and boost your mood.
5. Prioritize self-care:
Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Spring can be a great time to refresh your self-care routine and incorporate new healthy habits.
6.Set goals: Setting achievable goals can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can positively impact your mental health. Consider setting small, realistic goals for yourself in the spring, such as starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, or completing a project. Having something to work towards can boost your motivation and overall well-being.
7.Seek professional help if needed:
If you're struggling with mental health issues that are affecting your daily life, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide support, guidance, and tools to help you improve your mental health.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is an ongoing process, and it's important to be patient with yourself. With the arrival of spring, it's a great time to renew your commitment to self-care and prioritize your mental well-being.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.
Benefit NM’s Mental Health Research
The State of New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division, and Office of Substance Abuse Prevention contracted the Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation (PIRE) to conduct a community survey asking New Mexicans about substance use and prevention that occurs in our New Mexico communities.
Results from this survey will help BHSD evaluate health promotion programs.
The survey is anonymous, and open to all New Mexicans 18 and older.
After completing the survey, readers can enter to win a $100 or $500 gift card.
Take the survey by visiting this link. https://tinyurl.com/NMC S2023