It has been a while since my last blog because honestly I don’t have anything to say about the state of things that hasn’t already been said. People are hitting the proverbial wall as we approach one year of this pandemic. Because of that, I want to take this time to throw a list together of some good articles and steps to help, even one person, keep moving forward.

Listen, I am no expert, but this list have been proven over and over again, to help.

1. Sunshine – I cannot stress enough the importance of the sun to our human bodies. Even though, yes, we need to protect our skin from UV rays, there is some hugely important vitamins and nutrients we get from sunshine and light. If the pandemic is getting you down, go out and feel the warmth of the sun for at least 15 minutes. It will do you a world of good. Here’s a good article on why we need this in our lives: www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-sunlight-health-effects
2. Exercise – Being a person who has struggled with anxiety, depression and OCD on a daily basis, I have run the gamut of antidepressants. The only thing that has helped me consistently over the years is EXERCISE. Hands down the best medicine for mental health stability. Read more here: www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
3. Laughter – My oldest friends and I gathered in a garage at social distances in February with the door open. Crazy? Maybe. All bundled in our warmest jackets, five hours later after much laughter and talking, we all just felt a sense of relief. It had been a long time (over a year) and we all needed just a little bit of happy. As the Mayo Clinic says, this is no joke: www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
4. Positive thought – One of those old friends literally reminded me today of the power of positive thinking. She is right. I used to be a negative nelly when I was younger, but it did not get me anywhere and actually made many aspects of my life worse. Everyday I notice the negative thoughts and talk that people are spewing. It does no good … for anyone. If I were to go back and do it over again, I would try very hard to try to stay positive in everything I do in life. Trust me, that is a hard one, but hugely beneficial to your wellbeing. There are so many articles (and books) about this, but here is a short one: www.uspm.com/practice-the-power-of-positive-thinking/ with some excellent advice.
5. Diet/Nutrition – Listen, I love cheetos. We used to call them “Food of the Gods,” but honestly, if majority of your diet is carbohydrates, YOU WILL GET DEPRESSED. There is proof that diet and nutrition directly affect our moods. I am not going to get on any soapbox, but I will say that this is something you have to power to adjust in small ways to make yourself feel better. There have been so many studies and this one is completely up to you, but I would definitely take note of how you feel and what have you been eating: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/03/relationship-food-mood/
6. Creativity – Any outlet that can pave a path towards creativity can give you a sense of self and accomplishment. All human brains are different (like snowflakes) and it is beautiful that we can all create in our own way. Having an outlet to create, build, sew, draw, paint, construct, play … all taps the need for being creative. When we create, we focus on the task at hand and everything else takes a backseat. Right now, in the world, I would like to ignore the backseat. Why do you think I am writing at the moment? Creating. nyctherapy.com/therapists-nyc-blog/creativity-is-your-secret-advantage-for-mental-health-and-well-being/#:~:text=Mental%20health%20benefits%20of%20creative%20activities&text=In%202015%2C%20psychologist%20and%20art,even%20improve%20immune%20system%20functioning.

Because I have struggled with depression, anxiety and OCD for the past 50 years, it does make me somewhat of an expert, for myself anyway lol. Everyone has to learn their own lessons about how to move forward right now, but these tips may help. One step at a time, and hopefully you can see the light at the end of the tunnel (😊).