Over the last number of years at SELF, weve provided no shortage of mental health advice.
(These articles are clearly linked throughout.)
This will help you practice the tip in the most effective way possible.
E S Kibele Yarman
You certainly dont need to do all of these things all at once.
If theres something you think is really great that weve missed, wed love to learn more about it!
We compiled a list of our favorites to get you startedcheck out all of themhere.
Read more about this tiphere.
And no, its not just for Gen Zers!
Its the opposite of doomscrolling, former editor Anna Borges writes.
Read more about this tiphere.
Or…color!Art can be healing in many ways.
Basically, coloring is always a good idea.
We highly recommend it.
Read more about this tiphere.
But that doesnt mean you oughta do a painstaking workout if youre feeling down.
Finding an activity you truly enjoy is an excellent piece of a self-care tool kit.
Read more about this tiphere.
Thats why were proponents ofcreatingthings to look forward to too.
Read more about ways to create things to look forward tohere.
Research shows that it may be helpful in combating anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain.
(We wrote a whole explainer on the science behind mindfulness meditationyou can read thathere.)
Heres your sign to give it a shot.
Sit in a chair, lie on the couch, or even try it on the subway.
All you need is a few short minutes.
Read more about this tiphere.
Try an easy-to-follow guided breathing video.Breathing is so powerful.
See 17 of our favorite guided breathing videoshere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Surviving isnt always easyusually, its notbut reminding ourselves of this can encourage further resilience.
Plus, if youve gotten throughthat, whos to say its impossible that youll get throughthistoo?
So write down the hardest times you’ve got the option to recall.
Perhaps it’s possible for you to use some of that same resilience now.
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Theyre like textbooks for self-understanding, if you will.
We compiled a list of our favoritesyou can check them outhere.
Distract yourself with a free phone game.Heres another distraction idea you’ve got the option to try.
We put together a list of 29 free mobile games perfect for quelling anxietysee them allhere.
Write down all of your negative thoughts.This tip comes up again and again.
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Make a new playlist to boost your mood and help you reflect.Music is the bestand its loaded with emotion.
If youd like, you might listen back to it and hopefully feel a bit more understood.
Read more about this tiphere.
If you cant fall asleep, dont fight yourself.
Instead, listen to your body and get out of bed.
Do something relaxing, like reading or coloring, for just 10 or 20 minutes.
Then, give sleep another go.
Read more about this tiphere.
You deserve clean sheets.
(Open your window!
Thats the tip.)
See more of themhere.
Tips for Decoding Your Feelings (and Finding a Solution)
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Try saying, How do you feel?
or What do you better feel more relaxed?
Then think about what your body or mind would answer.
You might be surprised by how having a real conversation with yourself can help.
Read more about this tiphere.
Sometimes our feelings are so overwhelming that finding the right solution to them can be difficult in the moment.
In those cases, it can be best to just feel themcry, journal, etc.
Other times, we may be craving a more concrete solution or action.
Decide which of those you need and act accordingly.
Read more about this tiphere.
Remember that nothing lasts forevernot your best feelings, but not your worst feelings, either.This too shall pass.
Every horrendous low has eventually lifted.
Every good feeling mellows out.
The ups and downs are part of surviving this pandemic.
Of course, this applies to everything in lifeoutside of COVID-19 too.
Read more about this tiphere.
In fact, it can be an extremely legitimate way to survive.
So yesits totally okay to indulge in a few nights of Netflix.
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Write down the last few times you felt this way, and see if any patterns or links emerge.
Was there an overlap in language that ticked you off?
A specific traumatic behavior from the past?
Read more about this tiphere.
In fact, crying in and of itself can go a long way in helping you process.
Read more about this tiphere.
Things to Try When Youre Spiraling
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A baseline self-care checklist or toolbox is always a good idea.
If youd like, you might use this long list as part of yours!)
Read more about this tiphere.
Then create one in a moment you’re not spiraling so you have it when you need it.
Just take five minutes in the quiet and breathe.
Sometimes, your car is more of a blessing than you thought.
Read more about this tiphere.
Another idea: Take a cold shower.
Read more about this tip (and other grounding techniques to use when youre spiraling)here.
Plus, who doesnt love being cozy and comfy?
If youre curious, we rounded up the best weighted blanketsyou can see them allhere.
And read more about this tiphere.
Staying informed is important, but there are times when the doomscrolling does way more harm than good.
Its all about finding that healthy balance.
Read more about this tiphere.
Fact-check yourself.Existential anxiety and other anxious thoughts or fears can have us believing things that simply arent true.
When these thoughts occur, try asking yourself, What proof do I have for this thought?
This can help you separate worst-case scenarios from realistic situations that you likely have more control over.
Read more about this tiphere.
Self-Care Habits to Consider Practicing Regularly
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While indulging in it might feel great at first, its not so great for you.
A tip everyone can use: Get the sleep you need when youre able to get it.
Read more about thishere.
Read more about this tiphere.
They come in handy when were moving between bigger blocks of time.
For example, commuting to your office everyday might be your transition ritual.
Or maybe its your afternoon tea, or your walk around the block.
Read more about this tiphere.
Downtime can be hard, especially if youre dealing with anxiety, loneliness, or another mental health issue.
If any of this applies to you, make a downtime listthe to-do lists chiller cousin.
Read more about this tiphere.
Dont worry about creating an elaborate morning routine.
Instead, select a few simple morning habits that make you feel good, like making your bed.
They can go a long way in setting the rest of your day up for success.
Read more about this tiphere.
Dedicating some time to figuring out what habits help you relax can ultimately help you get better sleep.
Read more about this tiphere.
There is also research suggesting that gratitude practices can lead to real, measurable benefits for our mental health.
Its almost like…magic?
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Read more about this tiphere.
Even though it may be hard, youll reap more benefits.
For more tips on how to take a mental health day that actually helps, readthis.
Write down a to-do list at the end of your workweek.This can help you avoid those dreaded Sunday scaries.
Youll feel more prepared for your return to work and hopefully less anxious too.
Read more about this tiphere.
It can go a long way.
Read more about this (and other clever ways to get yourself to relax more)here.
See more from ourGuide to Caring for Your Mental Health here.
As we mentioned above, these tips provide useful, accessible ways to take care of your mental health.
However, they are not a replacement for medical care or the direct guidance of a mental health professional.
If youre in crisis or in need of urgent help, check out some of the helplines below.
