Love Your Mind | Things to Try

Watch something funny

For:: Anger ,; Grief & loss ,; Loneliness ,; Sadness ,; Relationship issues & breakups

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.

Invest in a weighted blanket

For:: Grief & loss ,; Guilt ,; Loneliness ,; Sadness ,; Worry ,; Relationship issues & breakups ,; Trauma

TLDR: Weighted blankets work. Weighted vests even work for our animal friends! And there are even weighted stuffed animals.The science is simple: It's like being tucked in – safe and secure – or like a big hug from someone you love. The weight in a weighted blanket is proven to help settle nerves and improve sleep, which in turn has all sorts of benefits for your health.

Do one small thing that will help you feel better

For:: Anger ,; Sadness ,; Worry ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities ,; Family conflict ,; Relationship issues & breakups ,; Trauma

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.

Spend some time with a pet

For:: Grief & loss ,; Loneliness ,; Sadness ,; Worry ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities ,; Relationship issues & breakups

Pets can provide comfort, companionship, and more often than not, a laugh, when you need it most. Science also backs up the benefits of having a pet on your mental health. Spend some time playing with your pet and enjoying each other company. If you don’t have a pet but love animals, consider volunteering at a shelter or visiting a neighbor or a friend with a pet.

Text or call someone to say you care about them

For:: Grief & loss ,; Guilt ,; Loneliness ,; Sadness

Sending out a simple text asking how someone you care about is doing can offer mutual benefits for you both. Doing so reinforces your connectedness to others, and helps to remind you that you have support when you might need it.

Ask for support from friends and family

For:: Grief & loss ,; Loneliness ,; Sadness ,; Worry ,; Opening up to friends & family ,; Relationship issues & breakups ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities

If you're going through a challenging time, think about who you feel comfortable with, and what interactions might feel supportive so you can tell people what you need—whether it's talking about how you’re feeling so you can release some pent-up emotions, or finding comfort by time together with no words exchanged.

Ask for specific help

For:: Grief & loss ,; Guilt ,; Loneliness ,; Sadness ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities ,; Family conflict ,; Money issues ,; Burnout

Though making a specific ask when you're going through difficult times might feel strange, well-intentioned friends who say “Let me know if I can do anything” will be glad to have a clear idea of how to be helpful. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider: Practical support: errands, cooking, babysitting, etc.; Social/well-being activities: taking a walk, going to coffee or lunch, etc.; Emotional support: spending time together—to talk, or just spend time together.

Keep a routine that involves self-care

For:: Burnout ,; Sadness ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities ,; Workplace issues & unemployment ,; Relationship issues & breakups ,; Coping with discrimination & stigma

Sticking to a daily routine that includes self care can help things feel more stable and prevent against depression. Aim to eat and sleep at regular times, and make time for walks or exercise. Mental health is important too, so make time for seeing others and consider practicing meditation or deep breathing.

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