October is a month of spooks, candy, and celebrations. One thing that we think is especially scary is hearing the same mental health and self-care tips over and over again. We know that drinking an extra glass of water isn’t the end all, be all of practicing self-care. So we thought we’d share some mental health tricks that aren’t as overshared to help your headspace feel a little less scary this Halloween.
1. Move around
During hard times, sometimes one of the hardest things to do is just to get out of bed. While taking the time to rest in bed is important, there’s also a benefit to getting up and changing your scenery. This can mean anything from going out and doing something fun like going out on the town, going to a coffee shop, or even going out to grab lunch.
But if those options seem like way too much for the moment, it’s not your only option. Moving around can also mean moving from your bedroom to a different room in the house for a while. Even something that simple can give a sense of accomplishment and get your train of thought moving in a different direction.
2. Treats! (No tricks)
Sometimes more superficial tricks can, well, do the trick. Going out to get something like a snack, a coffee, or a new book or game, can be a nice way to distract yourself. The heart of this hack is to do something nice for yourself.
Using anything that you love or want as a small reward for just getting through the day can make more of a difference than you might think. It’s a reminder that you deserve things that make you happy, no matter how small.
3. Lean into your introverted or extroverted-ness
Depending on your personality, this can go two ways.
For introverts: It’s important to prioritize taking personal time to recharge. On one hand, you can’t completely isolate yourself during hard times. But at the same time, it’s important to take the time you need for yourself to recharge and rest in the comfort of your personal space. Some alone time might just be the thing you need to reduce your stress and get your head on right.
For extroverts: It’s the time to reach out to people. If you aren’t up to in-person visiting, a phone call or even a text conversation can be enough. If being around others recharges you, it’s important you aren’t alone. Reach out to those around you for comfort and support.
4. Reach out for help
Of all the mental health tricks, the most important is to reach out for help when your headspace is feeling scary. Talking to a licensed therapist and or psychiatrist is a great first step to finding a treatment plan that works best for you. Our team is dedicated to working one on one with you to help you find what medications, treatments, and therapies work best for you and your needs. Remember: you can get better. We’re here to help make that happen. Connect with us today to get the support you deserve.
