Everything we do has a mental toll on it. This little charge for each deed done can add up…especially on a person’s mental health. It can be the worry weighing on your mind from some task left incomplete or an excitement at an impending change in life, like a graduation or new job. Every event adds stress to your life, so you need to ways to lessen the stress, or even prevent it.

Try some of these tips to improve your mental health and help lessen the toll of daily stress in your life. Think about trying one a day on your vacation this year to add rejuvenation for the body and mind on your get-a-way.

Relax. Try meditating, taking a walk in a natural setting, or reaching out spiritually by meditation or prayer. Quiet reflection, alone or in the company of others, can improve your state of mind, strengthen your sense of self and community, and give you time away from a hectic schedule to collect your thoughts and re-energize.

Make a plan. Decide what tasks you need to complete and make a plan for when and how to do them. Having a plan with a specific timetable and goals can reduce stress when facing complex tasks. If you are overscheduled, decide what can wait a week or two and what needs to be accomplished sooner. If you don’t have much on your schedule, plan some activities you’ll look forward to in the future.

Surround yourself with supportive people. Make plans with family members and friends, or seek out activities at which you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group. Make a get together lunch weekly with busy friends so you can be assured of connecting. Reconnect with someone you have lost touch with and create new memories.

Take care of your body. Taking care of yourself physically can improve your

mental health. Be sure to eat nutritious meals, avoid cigarettes, drink alcohol only in moderation, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and exercise. Sounds like common sense but walking a mile a day can improve your life drastically by warding off memory loss in old age, lowering blood sugar and protecting against high blood pressure. A little prevention in life goes a long way. 

Give of yourself. Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need—and it’s a great way to meet new people who share your interests and compassion.

Broaden your horizons. Create a change of pace or expand your interests. Explore a new hobby, plant a garden, plan a road-trip, take a class at the local college, try a new restaurant, take dance lessons, or learn to play an instrument or speak another language. Self growth aids in self confidence and self-assuredness.

Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Take stock of the qualities you like about yourself, your accomplishments and abilities. Take some time every day to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

For more tips to improve your mental health call Border Area Mental Health Services. To reach Border Area Mental Health Services in Grant and Hidalgo Counties, call 388-4412; in Catron County, call 533-6649 for referral; in Luna County, call 546-2174.  For CRISIS, call 538-3488 or outside Silver City, call 1-800-426-0997.