We know how important it is to eat well, to move daily in order to be in good physical he alth. But let's talk about mental he alth too?
Of course, we talk about it more and more! Large companies are carrying out awareness campaigns, more and more researchers are obtaining funding to study the human psyche in order to understand it and to propose lines of thought and solutions to maintain it. Intervention programs are becoming better known, recognized and implemented in the various regions of our beautiful province.
However, we still feel a very palpable unease when it comes time to talk about mental he alth.
Probably because many are afraid of being judged; “You are weak! », « Come on, kick your ass and it will pass! ". If the first is openly judgmental, the second is intended to be benevolent, but it often has the opposite effect; the person living with mental he alth issues sees their suffering and distress minimized, misunderstood and this leads to a feeling of loneliness.
Awareness raising is therefore essential in order to change mentalities…but it takes time.
In the meantime, what can we do on a daily basis tomaintaining good mental he alth?
As with physical he alth, a he althy diet, sufficient hours of sleep and daily physical activity are the basis. But this base is not always easy to achieve with the metro-work-family routine. We have the squeezed lemon; you have to perform at work, spend as much time as possible with your children AND above all, spend quality time with them. So, when do we cook them, our good dishes meeting the new standards of Canada's food guide? When do we sleep, our restorative good nights when we have to finish something for work before going to bed? And maybe we are stressed and so sleep does not come so quickly. And in all that, we didn't even have time to move to evacuate the overflow of the day. Ah, lala!
Recently, I discovered yoga nidra, which allows great relaxation in about fifteen minutes. Several guided practices are available for free online. Why not include this in our routine?
Several applications such as "Little Bamboo" and "HeadSpace" allow us to experience a moment of relaxation through guided meditations, among other things. Again, a few minutes is enough.
For physical activity, we can decide to go for a family walk after the meal, walk our dog in the neighborhood, bring it to the dog park. This allows us to move without having to rush to arrive on time for an outdoor activity. Inmore, we spend time together!
And for food, why not involve the children in the preparation of meals? In the choice of dinners of the week? Depending on their age, they can actively participate in cutting vegetables, filling the pot with water to cook pasta or setting and clearing the table. If the budget allows it, choose a restaurant that you like and that offers delivery on Friday evenings, why not! Meal prep leave for all!
Necessary activities become shared and enjoyable, allowing us to spend time together.
Also, take the time to do things that we love, us, as women, as moms. Read, write, listen to and make music, run, listen to a series, paint, knit…a few minutes a day, every day.
And finally, lowering our expectations of ourselves as a mother, spouse, lover, friend, worker, wife. Give yourself the right to make mistakes, do your best, knowing that it fluctuates every day. Accept our imperfections, one at a time.
