Feeling Stressed? 5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Between school, friendships, family responsibilities, sports, activities and everything happening online, it is normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times. 

The good news? You don’t have to have everything figured out to help yourself feel better! Taking care of your mental health through small, everyday actions can make a big difference towards feeling more grounded and in control.  

If you are having a difficult day, try one (or more) of these simple strategies. 

Create Something You Enjoy 

Creativity can help you slow down and focus on the present moment. You don’t have to be an artist to create something!

It can be something simple like: 

• Drawing or doodling 

• Journaling 

• Coloring 

• Taking photos 

• Building something  

Creative activities give your brain a chance to process emotions in a healthy way and can offer a helpful break from stress.  

Take a Break from Your Phone 

Technology is a great way to stay connected to your friends and family, but constantly scrolling can sometimes increase stress and anxiety. Try stepping away from your phone for even a few minutes.

Use that time to: 

• Stretch 

• Take a walk  

• Read a book 

• Play outside 

You don’t have to give up social media completely. Sometimes taking a short break is enough to rest, recharge, and re-center yourself in reality.  

Talk to a Friend 

When you are struggling with difficult or heavy emotions, relying on a friend can help you feel more supported and understood. Consider reaching out to a friend you trust to check in and reconnect. Even a quick conversation can help put things in perspective and can help you feel better.  

Listen to Your Favorite Music 

Music can be a powerful tool for managing emotions. If you are stressed, sad, or anxious, music can help: 

• Relax and calm your mind 

• Lower stress levels 

• Express emotions  

• Improve your mood 

Create a few different playlists you can turn to based on your mood and don’t be afraid to sing along out loud! Or, check out this playlist of Feel Good Anthems curated by Sagent’s care team. 

Grab a Fidget  

Sometimes stress shows up physically and you may find yourself feeling restless, distracted, or tense. Fidgets and grounding tools can help release those feelings in a productive way.  

Some ideas include: 

• Stress balls 

• Fidget cubes or spinners 

• Slime 

• Textured or interactive objects 

You can also try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique:  

• Name 5 things you can see 

• Name 4 things you can feel 

• Name 3 things you can hear 

• Name 2 things you can smell 

• Name 1 thing you can taste 

Grounding techniques can help when your emotions are overwhelming as they help bring you back to the present moment and the world around you.  

We Are All in This Together 

Life can be tough at times, but it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone and that everyone experiences challenging moments. Reaching out for support when you need it most is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health.  
 
Could you or a loved one benefit from additional mental health support? Sagent Behavioral Health provides therapy, psychiatry, and mental health services for children, teens, and families. Our team is here to meet you where you are and walk alongside you every step of the
way.

 Learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.