Oh, Honey! Take Care of Your Mental Health
posted by Kayla Mady | March 4, 2024 | In OpinionDo you know what is not so girly pop? Bad mental health.
As a woman who wants to feel nothing more than beautiful and strong, I know just how much it sucks when all of your feel-good energy suddenly drains from your body.
Some days are more challenging than others, and that void makes it hard to feel confident or motivated to keep pushing through my days. As a 21-year-old woman, I am still trying to pull myself together, but I have slowly begun to realize some of my favorite ways to raise my spirits.
So, this week, let’s discuss some things we can try to up our moods:
#1 – Music
Music has become my every day, all-day savior. Not only have I seen the difference music can make with my mood, but so have scientists and researchers! Don’t believe me? Google exists, baby girl. You wouldn’t believe how many people have proven music to be a significant factor in stress relief and emotional management. Music makes me feel like the main character. You can’t tell me you don’t feel like the baddest around when Maneater by Nelly Furtado plays on full volume in your ears.
#2 – Take time to learn a new skill/enjoy a hobby
I may sound like an old lady, but my go-to activity is knitting when I feel the build-up of stress and emotions. AND YES … I can only make squares and scarves, but it is relaxing. Most of my hobbies were picked up to help distract myself from my over-thinking brain. Knitting, crocheting, painting, and playing an instrument are all skills picked up for a cause. I know you have been thinking of finding a hobby. Use this as an excuse to start.
#3 – Do something good or make someone happy
Now, I know this sounds a little finicky. “Kayla, how am I supposed to make someone happy when I feel like this?” Woah, woah, let me finish. Let’s not lie here. You and I both know how good we are at hiding our problems. Smiling is my solution to avoid vulnerability. However, I will say I get the oddest dopamine boost when making someone smile or laugh. There is something so pleasing in seeing how your actions can cheer someone else up. Just give it a go.
#4 – Take a break from the gossip
Listen, I won’t act like I don’t love hearing tea. But if you claim, drama doesn’t make you feel included … YA LYIN’. We all love hearing that juicy drama going around from the grapevine. BUT TAKE A BREAK. As crazy as it sounds. The negativity that comes from the drama you hear affects you, too. Keep that in mind for yourself.
#5 – Get a move on
For some, getting active or going to the gym does something for them. I find the gym boring. But there are so many ways for you to get busy. Take a spin class, try yoga, go to a park, or find a trail to walk or bike; I believe in you.
These few suggestions can give you alternatives to your usual coping mechanisms. It never hurts to try something new! Especially if that means potentially finding something that can become a permanent fix. Take care, Honeybuns! See you next week!
Graphic by Kayla Mady.
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