There are many types of mental illness that we can suffer from ranging from depression to psychosis but I’m not going to talk about that in this article. My focus is on taking time out. This is important for everyone, regardless of if you have a mental health condition or not. It is easy to be overwhelmed by life’s stresses and woes. This can mean we forget to look after ourselves as we are busy looking after other’s needs, whether it be family, friends, or work.
Taking time out is a way to look after yourself whilst acknowledging your emotions. Taking time out can help us to process our day or act as a distraction from other stresses in our otherwise busy lives. We just need to act on it.
It can be as simple as the following:
- Asking your partner to look after the kids while you set aside an hour for a nice long, candle-lit bath,
- Going out for a long walk in the park or on the beach,
- Sitting and watching your favourite film,
- Playing a board game with friends or family,
- Go for a long drive, prepare a nice meal,
- Getting stuck into that book you bought but have not read yet.
- Have a day out somewhere,
- Phone up a friend you have not spoken to in a while.
- Listen to your favourite music,
- Pamper yourself e.g. home manicure, pedicure
In short, whatever makes you happy. The options are plentiful and every single one will help you to keep a good balance with your mental health. Just remember, positive mental health starts with you and what you can do for yourself.
