Attending to Your Mental Health in a Crisis

Over the past few weeks, many Uplift Active customers have reached out to us about their struggles with mental health during this painful time. Every person on the planet has been affected by recent events relating to the global pandemic, and it's unlike anything we have experienced before. It's no wonder that we are suffering, even if we are not physically ill. 

During moments of high stress, it's crucial to nurture your mental health. Here are a few ideas:

If you are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety as you try to navigate the current state of the world, please know thatyou are not alone. Reach out to your loved ones via phone or video call, or reconnect with an old friend or group of friends. Check-in often or set scheduled times to get and give support. You can also reach out to a professional therapist who can see youonline. 

Amp up yourself-care routine. High stress can make us feel out of control, but you are always the boss of how you treat yourself. This includes expanding your creative movement practice to the floor, getting plenty of rest, and eating a nutrient-rich diet. Get outside for some fresh air when possible or open a window. Take baths if you can!

Limit your media intake. The news, social media, and the internet are often incendiary and fueled by fear. If you must partake, set a timer for your self or use aproductivity app to help you stay focused on taking care of yourself. Give yourself permission to disconnect. 

Sharpen your mind withmeditation skills. If you don't already practice, you'll find that it can do wonders to calm and manage stress and anxieties.Jack Canfield, the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, reminds us: "A few of the mental health benefits of meditation include greater productivity and focus, less stress throughout the day, anxiety relief, and better sleep at night. Meditation helps reset your hormones, promotes faster healing, and getting sick less." Be kind to yourself in this process.

Despite social distancing, people are still coming together digitally, reconnecting, and figuring out what is really important. Now is a wonderful time to do just that.

If you are experiencing thoughts of despair or even harming yourself, please reach out to someone or callThe National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The world needs you.