Gaskill Preparatory School

Mental Health ~ Self Care For You

Taking good care of yourself does not stop at a good diet and exercise. It also includes mental health too. There are things you can do for yourself on a daily basis.

Add these to boost up your mental health everyday!

• Wake Up to Your Goals ~ Focus on your goals and things you have to do for the day. By setting goals, you pump up your energy and feel in control.
• Connect With Nature ~ Outdoor breaks and fresh air are great! Being around trees and grass during a short walk, you are helping taking away stress that we experience because we basically are in seats in school or in the house the whole day!
• Get Out of Your Chair ~ Exercise makes you feel better, because it causes your body to release 'feel~good' stress chemicals. Its a mental break from your routine. Even if its walking up the stairs!
• Hit the Sheets ~ If you don't get enough Zzz's for your brain and body to function good, you run the risk of feeling sleepy, and not doing things as well as you should. Listen to your body and know when you are more tired.
• Count Your Blessings ~ I am blessed because of you! Instead of focusing on the negative, take a moment everyday to feel Thankful ~ for your family, friends, a snack, for the warmth of bright sunshine on your face. What are you grateful for? Say "thank you" for it! I am grateful for you. Thank You! :)
• Create a Bedtime Routine ~ Put down the phone, tablet, computer, at least one hour before bed, so you can quiet your mind for sleep.
• Don't Rush to React ~ We like things to go our way, when they don't, we react quickly making stress and madness! Take a deep breathe and a mental step back.
• Connect With Others ~ Its not enough to scroll through and like Facebook posts or Instagram photos. You need to make contact with live people during our days. Checking in with friends and family, if you chat on the phone or use Facetime, will make you feel included and involved. It puts you with those you love in a happy place!
• Sense of Touch ~ A hug that is as short as 10 seconds makes you feel good! Even putting one hand on top of the other, or over your heart for one minute, helps you relax and breathe! Don't forget your furry friends, petting your dog or cat counts as well!