Nurturing mental wellness is essential at every stage of life.
As women, our bodies go through significant changes, and life adds another layer of external factors that can impact our mental health. It's crucial to care for our mental wellness as we age, embracing every season of life. Here are a few tips to help you nurture your mental well-being!
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness can take many forms, such as journaling, meditating, stretching, sensory-focused or breathing exercises. Finding a mindful practice can help you understand yourself better, but even more important, it can reduce anxiety. While mindfulness can be an opportunity for growth and reflection as a daily practice, it can also be a way to ground ourselves when overwhelming feelings are present. By doing breathing exercises or another mindful activity, you can decrease the intensity of heightened emotions and allow yourself to think logically.
SUPPORT
Support looks different for everyone. Whether it's the comfort of family and friends or the guidance of a therapist, accepting support is vital. Sharing our thoughts and worries with a trusted support system can help us uncover hidden stressors and navigate our emotions. The power of positive sensory input, such as spending time with loved ones or receiving a comforting touch, should not be underestimated. This comforting support system is essential for maintaining strength and hope during a challenging season of life.
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our therapist, Lorraine Harper LMSW, offers valuable advice to those supporting loved ones facing a difficult diagnosis.
"I encourage them to use comforting, positive language whenever possible," Harper said. "Words are very powerful in setting our mindset and attitude."
Surrounding ourselves with people and things that encourage us can be a remarkable tool for finding strength in the face of challenges and the support needed to navigate healing.
ACCEPTANCE
Accepting ourselves and our situations can be a decisive step toward healing and peace. Acceptance doesn't mean approval; it means seeing things as they truly are. Grounding yourself through mindful practices, self-care, and having a support system can help you maintain clarity and embrace acceptance.
EMBRACE GRATITUDE
Framing our minds toward gratitude can significantly change our outlook on life. By finding something to be grateful for each day, we allow positive thoughts to enter our minds, helping us reduce feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety and promoting happiness. Doing this shifts our mindset towards hope and a renewed view of our world.
At West Michigan Psychological Services, we want to support you in every part of your life. Our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate your wellness journey. Connect with us today at wmps.net.
Courtesy of West Michigan Psychological Services.
