May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And while May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we here at 501 Pharmacy believe you should always keep your mental health top of mind. Here are some tips for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.
Prioritize Sleep, Diet, & Exercise
Simple things like sleep, diet, and exercise can do wonders for both your physical and mental health. Physical activity can help reduce stress hormones and improve mood (even if it’s just a 10-minute walk!), while eating healthy keeps up your energy. Try to avoid excess fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol, and get enough sleep to regulate your mood (~6-9 hours).
Practice Self-Care
Sometimes we all just need a minute to prioritize ourselves. Practice deep-breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and/or other relaxation techniques. A massage or listening to your favorite song or podcast always helps too!
Challenge Negative Thoughts
When you find yourself thinking negatively about yourself or situations that are out of your control, try to reframe those with positive affirmations. An affirmation podcast can be very helpful if you have a tough time getting there yourself.
Get Social
While socializing may seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re in a negative headspace, friends, family, or a support network can really help ease your mind and give you a break from everyday stress. Try volunteering, making plans with friends, joining a workout class, or another social activity.
Identify Your Triggers
What does your anxiety or stress stem from? Work, family, school, friends? Take notes or journal when these anxious feelings arise and look for a pattern. That way, you can try to avoid those situations in the future.
Seek Help
If these practices just aren’t doing the trick, consider talking to someone, whether it be a close friend or relative, or a professional. A licensed medical or mental health professional may recommend antidepressants or other anti-anxiety medication.
Mental Health Resources at 501 Pharmacy
In need of more assistance to manage your anxiety, depression, and stress? We can help. We offer a plethora of mental health resources at the pharmacy, from vitamins and supplements to prescriptions from your doctor. Not sure where to start? Give us a call at 984-999-0501 or visit us at the pharmacy to talk to one of our team members.