What’s your “go to” method for a mental health reset?

Weeding-gardening

I was once given the parenting advice, that when nothing is calming a fussy baby or inconsolable child, add sun or water. Take them outside, whether out on the porch, on a walk, or to the park. Or hop in the pool with them, drive to the beach, or put them in the bath. Not only did this become a constant effective exercise for me as a parent, I began to use it on myself. Even in my darkest moments, a hot bath or long walk helps. It doesn't fix anything per se. But it helps.

A long walk with my dog or a tall glass of bourbon on a cool summer night.

As a current guardsman who just returned home from my first deployment, my go to mental health reset is sleep. Before I do anything I ensure that I get enough rest. Afterwards I stretch, yoga is my favorite. I have a cup a hot tea (or coffee) and sit in silence. This maybe 2-10min, maybe more maybe less, depending on the day. It is so important to get as much time before and after the day to ourselves so ensure that we are able to function at our best. Prayer and mediation is always good for the mind, speaking those daily affirmations, to bring in good energy. Simplicity works for me. Rest, wake up, stretch, tea, affirmations, oh and skincare, cant forget that. Wear your sunscreen!

My “go to” method for a mental health reset?
A couple of relaxing days at home, unplug the phone , turn out the lights, light the candles, take a bath, take my tadalafil, ...crap, I'm out! VA pharmacy says 4 times a month is enough sex for anyone.... maybe for a few people, but not most of us. And, if a guy has severe ED and needs to use a penis pump with cialis, and then maybe 3 out of four times, the cialis and the pump still doesn't make it happen. Prostate BPH, high BP, diabetes exacerbate ED.
So my stress level stays high all month hoping that the cialis and the pump will facilitate a healthy sex life with my wife at least once.
I was prescribed daily cialis which was a great improvement in both my ED and BPH/ urine flow, BUT, VA pharmacy said they would not fill the presciption the way my physician wrote it.... one, 5mg pill a day. So , where i was at 4 doses @ 20mg a month, now they sent a scrip for 4 doses at 5mg!
How does this make any sense?
Frustrated in Arkansas,

David C Herron US Army Veteran

Whenever life gets too crazy or stressful, I grab my camera and head outdoors. Taking pictures of nature, like trees, birds, and sunsets, helps me chill out and clear my head. It's not just about getting a cool shot, but about taking a break and enjoying the simple stuff around us. Just being outside and focusing on getting that perfect picture helps me forget my worries for a bit. It's my way of taking a breather and getting back on track.

Music has always had the power to overwhelm despondency and put my soul back in good spirits. This link to a Paul McCartney song is an example on one evil day in our history. https://youtu.be/RiyDct2nz-c

Beach vacation!

I like to go to somewhere new before I decide to live there. Traveling using public transportation and pedicabs and specialty rentals can be fun. I love walking too, whether I'm walking botanical gardens next to a river in South Bend or hiking through the Desert to Goodsprings, "Adventure" never fails me as my "go to" of letting go of worries.

I enjoy taking a walk, going in the pool, and spending time with my family. Taking time out for a vacation to get away from work and the area helps as well.