What’s something you do to prioritize your mental health?

I'm probably one of the few people that will say COVID was good for me. Prior to COVID I traveled for work constantly. Always eating out, drinking, etc. It wasn't a very healthy life style and mentalityI felt like I was underwater. Suddenly I was stuck at home with nothing to do other than work, take care of kids and do chores around the house. That got old being stuck, so I went to Walmart and bought some kettlebells. Started working out daily. Lost 35 pounds overall, gained a lot of energy and noticed that my attitude was way more positive towards family and work. Then in a bid to get outside and spend some alone time, I started trail running. Thank the gods for Amazon during all that. After 2 1/2 years, this has become a habit. It always helps me reset mentality. And I'm in great shape as a bonus, running my first triathlon this weekend. I typically work out 6 days per week no matter where I'm at. So yes, I have become one of those crazy health nuts, but it's helped me in more ways than just physically

STAY FREE FROM ILLEGAL DRUGS.

Before retiring, and after relocating, and moving in with a woman whom I loved dearly, I started to set up a new network of friends and associates of like interest, a pistol club and a fish and game club. I took my old friends and family shooting. None of them had ever used a firearm. They were all thrilled at their newly acquired skill, and when available, they still enjoy shooting, and so does one of my grandchildren. Long story cut short, we got married, then she divorced me after we both retired. I currently continue to take family, friends, and neighbors shooting on occasion. I also actively volunteer at the fish and game club and am currently on their board of directors. I enjoy introducing friends and family to the shooting sports. Seeing them happy, makes me happy. I also volunteer to a lesser extent at two other nonprofits, one is an air museum, and the other is the NH Audubon Society, and I have taken some of those shooting too. I have a walking disability but can and still do ride a bike like a bat out of h---. I just need to find a good woman that can put up with me.

I make sure to take time every day to read the bible and pray. I make sure that I take time daily just to do nothing but listen to calming music such as meditation music.

Three things I am committed to almost every day- get 7-8 hrs of sleep. Move my body - walk around the neighborhood or do a workout in my living room or play pickleball. I tell myself I need to earn the calories I will consume that day. Finally, I sit for 20 minutes after my workout and engage in a "sacred silence" or you can call it contemplative prayer or meditation. These 3 things give me the basis for protecting my mental health.

I meditate each morning.

I have been diagnosed with multiple mental health challenges since my time in the service. I can honestly say that yoga has created such a healthy space for me. The physical poses, the self inquiry and meditation have been the perfect combination. The best part is I started working for a non-profit organization and leading a yoga class at a mental health facility where I am able to connect and share my passion with others who can relate. The class is only once a week, but it most definitely ranks high on my to do list! Namaste.

I’m not sure when I got a handle on such things though it’s been many decades.
I realize this may sound ‘too simple’ but I long ago realized that no matter what bad scenario you generate in your mind it won’t happen.
While there may be a part or two of it the situation won’t be anything like what might be imagined.
So it’s a waste of time and stress to do this.
Yes, there may be some warranted concern but don’t go overboard especially that you may not be able to control whatever occurs...if anything.

Take my medication first thing in the morning!

One of the things that I make sure to do to prioritize my mental health is invest is paints and diamond art. As a mom to 6 young children, I find that I need to make time to decompress myself and my mind, to be the best mom for my kiddos. And to have some fun too lol