Things to try

Humor has a lot of power. Watching a comedic movie or even a standup comedy special may seem like a bandaid, but it has the potential to tap into the depths of your true self. (This goes back to the common phrase, "It's funny because it's true.") Finding ways to laugh at pieces of art (comedy is art!) has been something people have done for centuries to cope and reflect on the human experience. Comedy can help you feel a little better by highlighting what's important to you and the silver linings of life's ups and downs.

When you’re in a bad headspace, it can be challenging to find the energy to take care of yourself. Even the smallest of activities might feel too overwhelming to begin. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t deserving of it. Find some time to do one nice thing you enjoy—whether it be listening to an album you love, reading a book, or treating yourself to your favorite snack.

Creating a sleep routine (also referred to as practicing sleep hygiene) is something nice you can do for yourself to wind down at night and improve your chances at getting enough sleep (7-9 hours) and high quality sleep. Setting a "device curfew", going to bed at the same time each night, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and doing calming activities like taking a bath, journaling, reading, or meditating are all good things to try. Charging your phone outside of your bedroom is also great if you can manage it—getting an alarm clock can help!

Write about how you’re feeling—not only what makes you happy, but also what triggers stress or pain. Experiencing a range of emotions helps regulate stress response, which can mean a healthier immune system. Journaling can also help you take action—you can identify things you want to do more or less of, identify situations you want to change or get help with, and figure out ways to deal with stress in the moment if you know what situations to look out for. While it is tempting to just use your computer, it can be more beneficial to go back to the old pen and paper. The good news is, you only need to journal a few times a week, for 10-20 minutes to get benefit.

Taking care of your body is not only good for your heart and your brain—it also equips you to better deal with emotional challenges. Taking a daily walk or doing some type of physical activity, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep are all great steps you can take to maximize your help and minimize the risk (or lessen the negative impact) of larger health issues.

Sometimes a little self reflection can go a long way. If you need ideas for where to start, pay attention to how every part of your body feels, starting from your head down to your toes. Then try asking yourself: What am I feeling right now? Why am I feeling that way?

Therapists and psychiatrists are trained to deal with a range of situations and can reliably hold a safe space for working through things together and develop helpful coping skills.