Good mental health is a series of skills that require practice.
Not all at once, mind you. Yikes!
One at a time, though? That’s do-able.
Welcome to the Mental Health “Clip Show”
Yeah, I’m on vacation, getting some rest – this is also a good mental health skill to practice.
And while I’m resting, I thought it would be a good time for a Clip Show.
If you are – ahem – *mature* like me, than you remember tuning into your favorite show and sometimes being treated to a series of clips that are loosely tied together by a theme or story. Otherwise known as a Clip Show, where clearly the writers needed a break. (Golden Girls have my favorite clip shows)
I don’t mind these types of things. I like re-watching and re-reading stuff for several reasons:
- ✅ It takes 5 to 7 repetitions to remember something well
- ✅ There’s stuff that I missed
- ✅ It feels comforting
- ✅ I enjoyed it the first time
- ✅ There’s no anxiety because I already know how it will end
- ✅ Our brains like repetition (i.e. young kids who like stories and songs over and over again)
In short, re-watching and re-reading and reviewing information is good. Storytelling is part of our biology.
Five Good Mental Health Directions to Explore
If you know me, then you know that I don’t recommend stuff that I haven’t tried and/or am already doing myself. So be comforted that I am learning right along with you, and that these are my *MVPs* (Most Valuable Practices) of good mental health.
#1 – What to do FIRST (keep in mind that a New Year can be any day you choose) – I’m still working on getting my colonoscopy and my appointment scheduled with my Lady Parts Doctor. Otherwise, though, I’m doing great with following up on my physical health and how it effects my mental health (it’s A LOT).
#2 – Two Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System – in other words, survival mode is not meant to be forever. Practicing regulating your nervous system is PRICELESS and avoids a lot of avoidable suffering.
#3 – Two Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness – anywhere and anytime! This doesn’t need to be woo-woo or mysterious. Mindfulness is just getting comfortable connecting and regulating, and I offer two easy structured ways to get started.
#4 – Ah, yes, the skill I’m practicing A LOT: How to Sit With Your Feelings and Not Have it SUCK – I figured out a system and I share it in this post.
#5 – Healing Happens in Community – this is a BIG passion of mine. Trauma happens in relationship, and so does healing. We need each other.
But Wait! There’s More
The fun and exciting article that’s gaining a lot of traction (especially over at Medium) is Are Emotions Stored in the Anus?
Yes, there’s a story behind that one, and I explain it in the post. I really, really love that post (LOL).
Wishing you rest as Spring springs!
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