Take an emotional inventory. Keep a journal that tracks your thoughts and emotions. Do you see patterns? Finding the reason for discomfort is a good place to start healing. If your body has gone through a physical trauma or illness, your mental health can suffer, too. Recognize that in order to heal your body, you need to help your mind heal. Talk about your feelings. It can be very therapeutic to express yourself. Ask a trusted friend if she has time to talk.
If you need to heal from a traumatic emotional situation, try to establish some order in your life. If you are suffering the loss of a loved one, for instance, follow a routine to help you remember to eat, bathe, and check in with people who care about you. [3] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Perhaps you need to heal from a rough patch in your career. Stabilize your situation by actively accelerating your search for a new job. Get a support system. Surround yourself with family and friends who are supportive. Explain that you need their companionship, and ask them to spend a little extra time with you. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
When you are feeling stressed, take a few minutes to focus entirely on your breath. Take deep breaths in and slowly release them. Your heart rate and your anxiety will decrease. Learn to meditate. Meditation has been shown to have profound positive impacts on mental health. To begin, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and clear your mind. You can download guided meditations on your smartphone, or take classes. Focus on the positive. There actually is power in positive thinking. Make a list of the good things in your life. Make it a point to reflect on those things for a few minutes each day.
Make sure you’re meeting all of your basic needs. For instance, eat regular meals, drink 8-10 glasses of water, bathe, and brush your teeth every day. Once a week, clean up your living space and do your laundry. Additionally, pay your bills each month. Self-care can also mean setting boundaries. If you have been around negative people, remove yourself from that social circle. Give yourself boundaries so that you get adequate rest. For example, don’t check your work e-mail late in the evening. Let your mind recharge. Make sure to set aside time for yourself each day. Do something that makes you feel good, such as watching your favorite show or taking a bubble bath.
Take a break when you need to. If you find yourself feeling weak or sleepy, take a nap. Create a good sleeping environment. Make sure that the room is cool, dark, and comfortable. Try to avoid electronic devices (including tv) an hour before bed. This will help your brain relax and promote deeper sleep.
If you are healing, it might be hard to eat big meals. Try eating several small meals throughout the day to make sure you are getting enough nutrients. If solid foods aren’t sounding good to you, try making some smoothies. You can pack them full of healthy fruits and vegetables and add protein from yogurt or peanut butter. Ask your doctor if you need to adjust your diet to aid your individual healing process.
Make sure to ask your doctor if you are cleared to exercise. Try low-intensity cardio. If you usually run, try going for a walk instead. If you have experienced dizziness with your illness, avoid resistance work, such as weight training. Your coordination will not be at it’s best and you could injure yourself. Ask a friend to join you for a walk. It’s important not to isolate yourself during the healing process, so this is a good time to get some socialization in, too.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are worried about the side-effects of your medication, speak up. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Before you start taking a new medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it won’t interact with any medications you’re taking. If you have a bad reaction to medication, call your doctor immediately.
Discuss your choices. There might be alternative treatments that could help your condition, so make sure you know all of your options. For example, they may recommend lifestyle changes or alternative medicine, if that’s what you prefer. The options available to you will depend on what’s causing your symptoms. Talk about risks and benefits. Ask your doctor to explain their recommendations and weigh how they will affect you and your health.
You can also talk to your human resources (HR) department at work to find out if your company has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may connect you with a therapist. In some cases, you may have to wait for an appointment. Don’t be afraid to ask for a consultation when you are looking for a therapist. You want to make sure to find someone that you feel comfortable with. Ask lots of questions, such as which methods they use in therapy, and what their specialties are. You can also ask whether your insurance covers treatment.
Physical therapy sessions not only build muscle, but they use specific exercises to relieve pain and increase your mobility. You will usually need to attend a series of physical therapy sessions to see the results.
There are many different types of massage, such as Swedish, Shiatsu, and hot stone. Describe your issues to your therapist and ask what they recommend. Many insurance plans cover massage therapy, so make sure to look into your plan.
