“Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed.”
Confucius
Try these tips to help keep it simple and find the right balance in your life.*
- Value yourself:
Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. - Take care of your body:
Eat nutritious meals, avoid cigarettes, drink plenty of water, exercise helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods, get enough sleep. - Surround yourself with good people:
Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group. - Give yourself:
Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need. - Learn how to deal with stress:
Practice good coping skills: take a walk, play with your pet, do stretching exercises, or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Smile and see the humor in life. - Quiet your mind:
Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. - Set realistic goals:
Decide what you want to achieve professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, be realistic and don’t over-schedule. You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you check things off. - Break up the monotony:
Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. - Avoid alcohol and other drugs:
Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. - Get help when you need it:
Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.
*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
