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

Remove toxic people from my life, and remember to make sure all Democrats are removed from the face of America and lock down the borders and hang the trespasser don't send them back home they will just keep sneaking in a back window when we take our eye off the walls.

I make sure to stick to the routines I know that work for me to maintain my mental health. I exercise regularly, try to make smart meal choices and make time for cuddles with my dog. I'm fortunate enough to live near where I currently work, so I take a midshift walk to take him out and make sure his needs are met. Fur-therapy midday helps my mood and well being a lot!

Mental health is a finicky thing... But I tend to take time for myself when I'm overwhelmed or anxious, just go into another room and put on some white noise to shut out any intrusive noises. I also make sure to take my medication on time and religiously. I bought a lot of plants to take care of as well, it's very relaxing, and this way I can take a moment on the porch and just be one with nature. I still work for Department of Defense, and being surrounded by those who understand and can relate is absolutely paramount for me as well.

Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations helped me create a life I love and heal my traumas.

Sit on the beach reading a good book while listening to the waves reaching the shore.

Exercise, it doesn't matter if one feels like it or not. Both your mental and physical health will improve and you will have more energy for the day.

Work hard on my family relationships.

I make sure to keep time in my schedule for personal workouts, and I also promise myself time for friends and hobbies - sometimes it's a night of board games, or maybe dinner and a concert.

For 11 years now, I have volunteered at Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship and Horse Rescue. Right before I completed my MS degree in Educational Psychology, Community Counseling, I was completing my practicum with a veterans' organization. As part of our outreach efforts, I met the executive director and founder of the farm and was completely inspired to be a part of it. I was contacted in May of 2012 by the director and offered the opportunity to certify in Equine-Assisted learning and therapy. I signed up and completed the certification, and immediately began working as a volunteer counselor with clients who had come to the farm to find healing, especially veterans with combat experiences which haunted them and disrupted their lives. Eleven years later, I continue to work to help rescue horses and see the amazing impact they have to help people heal. It's difficult to explain to anyone who hasn't witnessed the power of this type of therapy, but it is something I will continue to dedicate myself to for many years to come.

I have regular contact with both service and non-service friends. This keeps up the camaraderie that is found among my service family but also keeps me in touch with civilian life.

(I also take my medication and go to regular counseling sessions. This keeps my chemistry 'balanced' and gives me a safe place to explore problems with a professional.)