What do you do to maintain or improve your mental health?

Have a regular schedule for eating, sleeping and physical activity. A healthy diet that contains all the food groups. Maintaining a support group being a support for others in need whether it is just being there and listening or guidance if required or requested. Resting and self care when life unfolds with stressful events. Not resisting feeling sad when lose occurs and allowing self compassion. Realizing that so many others also feel sad or overwhelmed at time of struggle. Knowing life is short and oh so precious. Learning new things. Being creative with various mediums and Poetry. Reading. Staying connected with a spiritual community. Having pets are so important even though I live in an apartment that does not allow pets I did in the past and oh how wonderful it was. Getting out in nature. Listening to music. Especial going to sound bathing sessions that use Tibetan bells and other healing instruments. Yoga or stretching. Antidepressant. Behavior health when required. Reading studying and applying skillful speech and emotional wellness through meditation.

I exercise as much as I can force myself to and I found a community of veterans to practice art with.

I am currently in the VA Mental health system and being treated for depression, anxiety, and anger issues. I have been prescribed meds and follow up with my Psychologist and Psychiatrist. I will be entering anger management classes in July.

I just turned 57 and realizing that without movement we will lose our movement. I work at the VA and average between 4-5 miles a day walking. This has really been helping and has led to weight loss.

I listen to happy music and dance and sing every chance I get

What do I do to maintain or improve my mental health? I live in reality. I don't march around a situation, I march through it, and as I do I learn from it. I have and do volunteer. I talk to God. I tell strangers their hair looks good, or that they have a beautiful smile. I tell the truth. I say hello. I smile, and whistle, and sing. I dance in the rain. I laugh, and cry and reflect on the moments of my life that have made me and continue to make me who I am. I hurt for others, I will always offer a hand to someone in need, arms to hold someone tight who just need a safe place to cry. I listen to the world not only with my ears but also with my heart. I love this country of ours and I am proud to have served her well. I believe in truth and integrity and God, and country. I believe in paying it forward. I find joy and peace in giving to others. The smallest things can make me feel completely filled up. Maintaining my mental health not only nurtures me but can also nurture someone else. I try every day, to not judge anyone, because I know I have not walked in their shoes. I see joy, and I acknowledge it. I see sorrow and I acknowledge it. I try to keep it real. I know that every day here is a gift. When I feel sad, or confused or angry, or lonely. I FEEL it and I acknowledge it. I find awareness in doing this. I swim, I read, I write, I grow a family and I grow friendships. I make the right choice even when it is hard, even when it hurts, because making the right choice is always worth it. I make mistakes. I am human. When I do I admit that I was wrong and learn from the mistake. I hope that I continue to learn and grow, and I hope that I continue to make a difference to the smallest of tasks, I understand the weight of life is a book with many chapters. a book I will continue to read for the entirety of my life. I have so much more living to do.

Going to therapy or improving on one of my craft skills, helps me maintain a good head space when dealing with my mental health.

There are a few things I do that work for me:
I devote 2 hours to myself every morning right when I wake up. Much like the PT I did for over 20 years in the Army; however, that was with my fellow brothers and sisters. This regiment is geared for individual personal development and are listed below for anyone that may feel is something they can possibly implement:

1. I immediately get out of bed and go the bathroom and splash cold water on my face and run it through my hair. Then I drink a glass of cold water. I then sit in a quiet comfortable position and meditate with "Luminate" (meditation app) for 15 min, and then spend 5 min in reflection and repeat affirmations about myself to myself. Then I read only self-development books for another 20 min. Usually it is a chapter, does not need to be much. I will try to implement the concepts in the book throughout my day. There is a plethora of books out there and would not be able to read all of them in my lifetime. But that does not matter, at least I am reading something to think about through my day and it helps tremendously. Highly recommend this.

2. Then I get on my workout clothes and hit the gym. I love to lift weights. I hit the gym for an hour. I plug in (my mind) to the music that I love and focus on the specific muscle I am working. I do slow concentrated repetitions. I am older and find this much more satisfying of a workout than heavy and fast. I take my time and enjoy my time in my sanctuary (gym). Once complete with my routine, I then stretch slowly all the muscles in which I worked out, closing my eyes again, focusing on the music and deep meditation take slow breathes in and out for about 15 minutes.

3. I then go home and take a cold shower. I know that is not for everyone but you will not believe how much it has helped me out. I then get dressed nice for the day, as it is important even if you work from home in which I do. I am then ready to tackle the day and challenges it brings because I conquered the morning on my own terms (MY TIME).

I hope this helps someone out there. Remember, we cannot help others unless WE (Ourselves) are the priority first and right when you wake up. It has to be then and only then. It takes discipline, but aren't you worth it. My mental health is on a whole other level now. It may or may not work for you, but I hope you give it a try. Peace, Brothers and Sisters,

Regards,
Jeremy

I usually do yoga and meditation. Lately, with the dissention and negativity in the world I have increased my prayer game. I find a quiet spot in my home and pour my heart out to God. Sometimes it's followed up with tears, but mostly with a sense of peace.

I go to the gym twice a week and talk to my wife about whats happening to me.