Growing up, we have always been taught to take better care of our bodies, our health, our skin, hair, etc. But I believe very few people get advice to take proper care of their mental health. You can see I am adding more and more articles regarding mental health and how to take care of it. As I am not a licensed professional, I have been interviewing mental health advocates and professionals working in this industry. Today licensed Clinical Psychotherapist Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC shares the importance of healthy mental health habits and how to stay on track during a mental turmoil.

Being under stay-at-home orders provides an opportunity to focus on embracing simple disciplines that can change our health and happiness for the long haul, Erin believes. “Refuse to get stuck in the traps of social distancing: staying up late, consuming too much food, alcohol, television and social media, sleeping in, and letting the day go by without a structured plan or schedule,” she advises. “By throwing all discipline out the window in a stressful time, you lose a really unique opportunity to trade unhealthy habits for healthy ones that could change the trajectory of your life for the better.”

By adopting healthy coping skills, Erin knows people can find greater contentment and peace. “Creating and implementing new schedules or sticking to familiar routines can give people a sense of stability and security, thus reducing anxiety,” she advises. “Finding ways to connect with others in meaningful ways electronically can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, thus reducing depression symptoms. Practicing mindfulness can lead us to feel grateful and encourage greater levels of happiness.”