Medicine Cabinet of the Mind
We all have a medicine cabinet at home for small health issues like headaches or cuts. But what about when we're feeling really stressed or upset? Just like we keep ibuprofen or band-aids at home, we can also prepare some quick helpers for our mental health.
What is a Medicine Cabinet for the Mind?
A mental first aid kit doesn’t have medicine or bandages. Instead, it has simple activities or practices that help calm your mind when you’re feeling really stressed or worried.
How to Build Your Own Cabinet
Think about three things that could help you feel better when you’re upset. Here are three ideas that might work for you:
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Breathing Exercises: Learning how to breathe deeply can make a big difference when you're stressed. You can learn how by using an app called Wim Hof, which you can download from your phone’s app store.
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Going for a Walk: Sometimes, just getting outside and moving can help you feel better. Try going for a short walk, maybe 20 to 30 minutes, and listen to a podcast or an audiobook while you walk.
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Quick Exercises: If you’re really upset, doing some fast exercises like jumping jacks or using a small weight can help. This kind of quick workout can make you feel better by making your body release happy chemicals called endorphins.
Choose Healthy Ways to Feel Better
It’s important to pick activities that help you in a good way. Try to avoid things that might make you feel worse later, like drinking alcohol or smoking.
Why This is Important
We’ve learned from tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic that taking care of our mental health is really important. By having a Medicine Cabinet of the Mind, you can help yourself feel better when you’re going through a hard time.
Think about what might help you the most and put those in your kit. Just like a first aid kit for cuts and scrapes, your mental first aid kit is there to help you handle tough moments in a healthy way.
