One of the best ways to deal with mental health issues is by doing some prevention, and the fastest way to do it is by creating a survival toolkit, in this article we are going to show you how you can do precisely that.
How To Create Your Mental Health Survival Toolkit
It can be difficult to look after your mental health when faced with all the things that come at us every day. What tools do you use to help navigate all these challenges?
Over the past few years, my experiences with anxiety and depression have helped me develop an interest in finding tools that help me achieve a better balance in my daily routine.
My mental health toolkit isn’t something that exists in one form; rather, it’s an ongoing journey of finding out what works best for you and when.
Instead of seeing the toolkit as a way to ward off my anxieties and depressions, I see it as a set of ways to help me become a happier and healthier version myself.
It’s much easier for us to run toward something we want rather than away from something we don’t.
What Are Some Examples When You Use the Toolkit?
It’s important to actually use the tools in your toolkit every day. If you fall into the habit of using them when they’re needed, you won’t be prepared when they’re really needed.
The purpose of the Mental Health Tool Kit is to create the conditions for me to be able to deal with mental health issues without having to go through dark periods so frequently or for as long.
Will the Mental Health Toolkit always work every time?
The toolkit isn’t a magic fix. Sometimes I’ll find a practice like meditation soothing and relaxing. Other times it feels like 20 minuets of delaying the inevitable onset of anxiety
It’s easy to let the routine slip when times are good, but that’s when it starts falling apart. Using some of these tools every single day helps keep the whole thing balanced.
It’s also important to change up your routine and add some variety so that you don’t get bored and end up doing the same thing every day.
If you’re not changing anything, then you might start to feel like there’s nothing new to look forward to.
Laying the Foundations of a Mental Health Kit
It’s important to remember that the tool kit is an ongoing project. Balance is a delicate art.
You may be able to solve some issues by using certain techniques, but others might not. Your mental health toolkit will change as life changes.
This process won’t help you achieve immediate results, but it will create a solid foundation for long-term success.
The key is to figure out what you enjoy doing and then stick with it until it no longer suits you. If it doesn’t suit you anymore, don’t be afraid to move on to something else.
Here’s what I keep handy when I need help dealing with mental health issues
Here are some tips that may help you. Remember these are not a prescriptive set of rules, but just some ideas that might be helpful.
Running:
Nowadays, I don’t mind doing anything just because it makes me run. It’s not even really monotony anymore; it’s just an enjoyable way to spend time. And it’s a fantastic excuse to go out and enjoy the outdoors.
Meditation:
I’ve been practicing mindful meditation for a few years, and I honestly think they saved my live. I try (and oftentimes forget) to meditate at least twenty minutes a days, more if possible.
At first I found it hard to sit still, and I thought it was not really for me. I am glad I persisted, as I see how helpful it is to me to keep myself grounded in my everyday living. If you’re new into meditation, the HeadSpace app is a great starting point.
Working Out:
Physical health and mental heath are so intrinsically linked, yet this is one I would argue I do with a certain amount of hesitation. I grew up with an intense dislike of any kind of sports and physical activity.
There is still a little part of me when I get up early in the day shouting “Why!?”
But I know when I push past that and do it, I feel much better about myself. I use the App Bodyweight Freeletics, I’m sure the people behind it must be sadists, but it works.
Journaling:
I am a big fan of writing down thoughts and feelings. In fact, I find it therapeutic to do so.
Sometimes, however, I feel overwhelmed by what I’m thinking or feeling and would benefit from having a place where I can just sit and reflect without any distractions. That’s why I love Mindfulness Journals.
They’re designed to give you an opportunity to focus on yourself, and they come in various forms. Some people choose to keep them simple, others go digital. Either way, they offer a great alternative to traditional journals.
Arts and Crafts:
I am creative. I enjoy drawing, cutting things out, making collage, making mini comics, and experimenting with new arts.
There is a need within me to create, and if I ignore that urge I begin to feel a buildup of pressure inside my chest. Making arts and crafts allows me to explore ideas, feelings, and thoughts through visual means.
Language cannot always express what needs to be said, so I find myself needing to express myself through creativity.
Walking in Nature:
It’s not always easy to connect to the natural world in urban environments, so taking some extra steps to get out into it is important for me.
Talking:
In order to get your message across, you need to make people laugh. A good joke is worth a thousand words. So if you’re trying to write an article, then keep a sense of humor.
Don’t try to be too serious – it won’t go down very well. Write about what you know. People love stories about themselves. Tell them how you feel. Show them who you really are. Be yourself.
Doing Nothing:
We live in a fast paced world where everyone wants everything right now. We’re so busy trying to get ahead that we forget to enjoy the journey. In order to find peace within ourselves, we must learn to slow down.
When we take the time to sit quietly and reflect, we begin to understand who we truly are. Our minds start to clear and we feel much better about life.
And I also eat a relatively healthful vegan diet, but don’t spend too much time reading books, listening to songs, having hot baths, or creating as much space for myself because it’s difficult to do so.
Sometimes I don’t do all of these things at once.
It’s important to remember that sometimes we don’t always follow our own advice. We shouldn’t feel bad about it, but instead just go back to where we left off.
When I get into the habit of practicing regularly, I always end up feeling more grounded and capable of navigating whatever comes my way.
Your mental health toolkit will no doubt be unique to you.
Recently, I asked lots of different kinds of interesting questions, and I got some really cool answers! People go from walking their dogs to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Are you ready to start your Mental Health Survival ToolKit?
