Mental Health Wednesday

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As Valentine's Day paints the world in hues of love and affection, let us remember that the most important relationship we nurture is the one we have with ourselves. This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate by prioritizing self-love and mental wellness.

Embrace Your Uniqueness: Celebrate the qualities that make you uniquely you. Embrace your quirks, talents, and imperfections. Self-love begins with accepting and cherishing yourself just as you are.

Practice Positive Affirmations: Start your day with words of affirmation that uplift and inspire you. Remind yourself of your worth, strengths, and potential. Positive self-talk can transform your mindset and boost your self-esteem.

Indulge in Self-Care: Treat yourself to acts of selfcare that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether it's a warm bath, a leisurely walk in nature, or curling up with a good book, prioritize activities that replenish your spirit.

Set Healthy Boundaries: Boundaries are an expression of self-love. Honor your needs and limits by setting boundaries in your relationships and commitments. Say no to anything that drains your energy or compromises your well-being.

Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the abundance of love and blessings in your life. Cultivate a gratitude practice by journaling about the things you're thankful for. Gratitude opens your heart to the beauty of the present moment.

Engage in Mindful Activities: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for cultivating self-love. Engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to anchor yourself in the present moment and cultivate inner peace.

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation: In a world that glorifies busyness, prioritize rest and relaxation as acts of selflove. Get plenty of sleep, take breaks when needed, and listen to your body's cues for rest.

Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. When negative thoughts arise, challenge them with kindness and understanding. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a dear friend.

Express Yourself Creatively: Creativity is a form of self-expression and selfdiscovery. Engage in activities that allow you to express yourself creatively, whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or singing.

Seek Support When Needed: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek support from loved ones or mental health professionals. Asking for help is a courageous act of selflove and resilience.

Celebrate Your Journey: Take pride in how far you've come on your journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and honor the resilience that has brought you to this moment.

This Valentine's Day, let's remember that the most enduring love affair is the one we have with ourselves. By prioritizing self-love and mental wellness, we lay the foundation for a life filled with joy, authenticity, and compassion. Here's to a Valentine's Day spent cherishing the most important person in your life: you.

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 wellbeing, 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 | 1855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-6627474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.

Call or Text 988 for quick, free, 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.