Techniques To Keep You Sane

Let go of your tensions every chance you get. Forget yourself by becoming engrossed in a good book or listening to your favorite music. Build some relaxation time into each and every day.

People are frequently too hard on themselves when things don't go "right". Pay attention to your negative thoughts about yourself and counter them with positive statements. Mean it when you say it.

Nutrition has a lot to do with your state of mind.

If you feel others are demanding too much of your time and attention, you need to learn to say No. If this is difficult then grab some books or a class on assertiveness.

Friendships are very important to mental fitness. Expressing feelings and ideas to another person can help you understand yourself and remind you you're not alone. We're all in this human race.

Even a brisk 15 minute walk three times a week does wonders for how you think and feel.

Procrastination can lead to negative feelings about yourself. Accomplishing a hard task or meeting a difficult situation head-on can be most rewarding, leaving you with a sense of self-satisfaction and self-respect at the end of the day.

Change is inevitable and can be stressful. Don't resist it. Change is a necessary part of life so be patient and allow yourself time to adapt.

Try to find ways to express your feelings. For some people that's a hard thing to do. Going to a movie where others are likely to be laughing or crying can be a safe way to express your emotions and emotions are natural responses to the experiences of life. Learn to let them pass through you.

Sadness and grief are natural and appropriate responses to the losses which we all experience. Grief over the loss of a loved one can be very painful and may last for some time. Be kind to yourself. You will survive and come back stronger than ever.

Sometimes in our interactions with other people, we make the most incredible assumptions and act as if they are true. Rather than feeling rejected or hurt by what you thought someone meant, why not ask, "What did you mean when you said...?"

Get a good night's sleep. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep but it must be restful sleep. The mind needs time to recuperate.

If you feel stuck by things you "should" be doing and aren't, set a time limit by which you will either have them done or get rid of them. Staying stuck in the middle and saying "I should...," is a good way to punish yourself.

Nurture your sense of humor, especially about yourself. As the noted French author Jean Cocteau once pointed out, --"Angels fly because they take themselves lightly."

From How to Improve Your Mental Health
University of Washington Medical Center
NSO: B-165 (6/93)

See also: Controlling Stress

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