According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults in the U.S. suffers from mental health issues. Stress can often compound these issues, and let’s face it–there’s no one on the planet who doesn’t have to deal with stress.
At Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS), located on La Tijera in Westchester, we often see clients who are trying to find healthy ways to cope with stressful situations. Here are some tips to enhance your mental wellness when feeling stressed:
• Create a mental health wellness plan. Create a guide of coping skills, people to talk to in stressful situations, and enjoyable activities to ensure that you maintain the balance between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
• Practice self-acceptance. Use the new year as an opportunity to practice self-acceptance and self-esteem.
• Put yourself first. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s important to take time every day for yourself and your mental health. Engage in something that is meaningful and brings you joy. Do what helps you relax and recharge, and seek out experiences that have a calming effect.
• Learn a new skill. Creative hobbies can provide a sense of pride and achievement.
• Exercise. Exercising for at least 30 minutes every day can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Go for a walk, ride a bike, take a fitness class, or play a sport with friends and family.
• Be grateful. Practicing gratitude every day can invoke feelings of thankfulness and optimism that make managing challenges easier. Don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake–everyone makes them.
• Eat well. A balanced diet contributes to both physical and mental health.
• Get enough sleep. Most health authorities recommend that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each day. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime.
• Slow down. Notice with intention the things you are doing. Draw your awareness to the moment especially those that are positive.
• Ask for help when you need it. It’s a sign of strength to reach out for resources and support when your mental wellness is suffering.
If you’re interested in counseling, please call AMCS for an initial consultation at (310) 670-1410.
In addition to individual counseling, both in-person and through telehealth on a sliding scale, AMCS offers group therapy classes like a women’s process group, men’s support group and emerging adults.
Visit amcshelps.com for more information.
Contributed by Eden Garcia-Balis, CEO of AMCS.
Pictured: Eden Garcia-Balis has been the CEO of AMCS since 2014. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.