Mental Health Boosters You Can Turn To Every Day

Simple ways to support your body and mind for a healthier, more balanced you.

Maybe I’m being dramatic, but it feels like with each passing year things get a little more stressful.  Does anyone else feel like there’s always something around the corner that will kick-start a mental spiral?  Or is that just me? While things can feel overwhelming at times, the truth is we know so much more about how to take care of our mental health than ever before.  Access to resources and education on ways to care for our bodies and minds is at our fingertips. Perhaps the real reason so many of us put off self-care is that we know it can be a complex and at times difficult journey.  It’s tempting to wish there was a one-size-fits-all solution, but there’s only one you, and your journey will be unique to you. 

So where do we begin? Create a list. What are some things you can do when stress or anxiety creeps up?  Find actions or daily routines that help you feel more grounded. Being connected to what supports a healthier emotional and mental state can help you navigate the day.  Maybe it’s taking an outdoor break when you feel anxious, or making a goal to drink more water (just do it, everyone needs to drink more water). Perhaps it’s setting better boundaries is the key.  Or maybe it’s finding that perfect stress-relieving dose of cannabis.  Whatever is on your list, save it on your phone, slip a copy of it in your work bag, and keep the list in your car so you always know it’s there for you. 

So let’s get started on that list. When life starts to feel overwhelming, have these pro-tips in your back pocket.

Daily Mental Care Tips

Canna-Wellness

Look, I am not a mental health expert or a licensed therapist. I am merely a fellow human being trying to make it in this wild, wild world.  I would never dare tell you exactly what to do or how to manage your mental health. Why? Because mental health is individual and what makes you feel good is 100% unique to you. Throughout the centuries, many people have found cannabis helpful for easing stress and feelings of anxiety. But it wasn’t until recently that we understood the science behind the effects of cannabis.  The cannabinoids in cannabis, like THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG are able to interact with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS).  In 1988, researchers discovered the existence of this special system, designed to regulate internal processes like mood, sleep, hunger, and memory. Your ECS is what helps your body respond to outside stressors - like a new experience or an intense situation. 

Actual studies surrounding how cannabis impacts mental health are limited because historically cannabis laws have made it hard for researchers to conduct large, long-term studies. What it ultimately comes down to is you. And to be honest, that’s one of the best parts about cannabis. How you chose to use it and how it helps you is…up to you. 

Cannabis can help support your endocannabinoid system deal with stressors, boost moods, relieve inflammation, and can help relieve pain, PTSD, and anxiety. On the flip side, too much of a good thing can happen. For some, higher doses of THC can actually cause feelings of anxiety or paranoia. When you find the doses that work best for you and your body, you can reap the full benefits of mother nature - without worrying about feeling too “high.”  That’s why cannabis products that allow you to be in control of your doses are your best friend. Start slow and build up with doseable midose. vape pens, until you find your dose. 

Stop, Slow Down & Rest

If you have trouble feeling rested, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, there are a LOT of people in the United States who are finding it hard to get a good night’s sleep. 

Finding ways to support healthier sleep routines is directly connected to your mental health. Sleep and rest are essential to your overall health.  According to the Sleep Foundation, “Each [sleep] stage plays a role in brain health, allowing activity in different parts of the brain to ramp up or down and enabling better thinking, learning, and memory. Research has also uncovered that brain activity during sleep has profound effects on emotional and mental health.”

During sleep, your body has time to repair and heal from the day.   When we don’t get enough sleep or rest, our bodies aren’t able to function at their highest potential. Not getting enough rest can lead to mood swings, lower cognitive ability, weight gain, and a suppressed immune system. The phrase “sick and tired” never rang more true. 

Say No

That’s right. Say no! No to overextending yourself. No to things that don’t bring joy.  No to the people who inspire more anxiety than love. Saying no can feel scary. It can feel like you’ll be judged for not trying hard enough, not being ambitious enough, or not social enough. But saying no is a great way to set better boundaries around your time and energy. Saying no allows you to carve out more time for yourself.  More time to sit and think, rest, and listen to your body and soul. 

The world can put a lot of exterior pressure on you to be productive all the time.  This lurking feeling that you need to always be doing something can deplete your energy.  When we are constantly in go-go-go mode, we aren’t giving our bodies and minds time to rest, which ultimately leads to burnout.  So stop. Take a moment to smell the roses. Focus your energy on things that make you happy, feel satisfying, and give you a sense of worth. Surround yourself with people you love and who support you - and push you to take care of yourself.

Where do you start?  One way is to practice setting realistic goals for yourself. Rather than making a list of 20 different things you need to get done, make a list of three priorities to focus on.  By setting realistic goals, it’ll be easier (and more enjoyable) to accomplish them. It feels so much better when you can look back at what you accomplished in a day, knowing you gave it your full attention and energy.  And guess what? Tomorrow is another day. 

Limit Your Social Media

Sometimes you might just need a break from social media. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling throughout the day, it may be time to set up some stronger social media habits. Social media takes you out of the present moment and can bring up feelings of comparison, envy, or self-criticism.  With all the airbrushing and selective posting of life highlights (rather than the low times), it’s easy to forget that social media isn’t a reflection of real life.  

I’m not saying that social media is all bad.  A funny meme can be just what the doctor ordered. But sometimes looking at influencers with “perfect” lives, jobs and bodies can start to wear on our sense of self-esteem and warp our sense of reality.  This can make it harder to be in the moment and appreciate all the good in our own lives. 

One way to cut down on time spent looking at puppy videos (I know, they are so cute) is something called habit stacking. Habit stacking is based on the general idea that we are (more or less) creatures of habit. So if you want to start a new habit, connecting it with an already well-established habit (like making a cup of morning coffee) makes it easier to stick to. Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning or while you drink your aforementioned cup of joe, have something else ready to reach for - like a book or journal.  When you find yourself picking up your phone, pause to think about where the impulse is coming from and if there’s something else you could do to satisfy that itch.  Maybe go for a quick walk outside or play a favorite song and dance while the coffee brews?  Call a friend?  Rearrange the furniture.  Or maybe (the scariest option of all) just be still for a second and process your thoughts. I know, wild. 

Talk Nice To Yourself

Do you have trouble turning off your inner critic?  When you start to get caught in a negative thought cycle stop and ask yourself where these critical thoughts are coming from. The first step is mindfulness.  Start noticing when you are having negative self-chatter.  Notice the impulse and pause. Breathe. And ask yourself, “would I say this to my best friend?” The answer is probably no.  If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, why are you saying it to yourself?

Need a little help thinking of nice things to say to yourself?  Have a list of positive affirmations nearby to pull from. It’s okay. Being nicer to yourself takes practice. But it’s better to practice than try to be perfect. See? There’s a good affirmation right there. 

And if talking to yourself isn’t cutting it, finding someone else you trust to confide in can make a huge difference. It’s never a bad idea to reach out to a friend, a family member, or a therapist.

Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products.