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

Hiking is the way to go for me. Keeps me grounded and refreshed.

Breathwork-do 2 second inhale with a belly breath then 4 seconds exhale. Only breath through the nose. If your mind starts to wonder during breath work then focus on something that's causing you stress. For example, gallbladder pain. Repeat a statement like this. Even though my gallbadder is hurting right now, I will find a solution to help my gallbladder heal. I whole heartedly love and accept myself.

Shortly after my husband, an airman with the 403rd at Keesler, died from cancer caused by chemical exposure in his shop, I started coping with alcohol--I know, the irony of using poison to cope when he died from poisoning wasn't lost on me. But that was no way to live. At that time, I didn't want to live, but because we have three young daughters, I had to find a way. At first, I was just surviving for their sake. After about two years, I started living for myself. What helped me and what continues to help me reset my mental health and stay in check is a routine of self-care practices.

After brushing my teeth and doing a cleansing oil pull, I drink a tall glass of water. I read a chapter or a section of whatever book I'm reading for growth and perspective (such as Lighter by Yung Pueblo, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron, May Cause Miracles by Gabrielle Berstein, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, etc.), and then I take a 10-minute meditation. I write down what I'm grateful for that day and affirmations to recall throughout the day in my journal. I practice yoga and stretch. I use the Glo app. One of the instructors in a short hip-release practice says that we often hold difficult feelings and trauma in the body. An Asana practice that requires you to hold stretches, like pigeon pose, necessitate breathing into the discomfort. It's a reminder of the existence of discomfort and that with patience, kindness, and remembering to breathe, we can ease into it and move through it.

When I need a hard reset, I also journal my thoughts and feelings as I find this is an effective way to work out inner complexities and difficult feelings. I've learned that when we approach situations with love and not fear and are open to being vulnerable and allowing pain to exist, we can let it move through us. I've stopped swimming upstream and going with the flow, accepting what I can't change or control, and continuing to pursue a life that prioritizes peace over perfection. The routine of visiting these practices every day are how I stay in balance and reset from the previous day each and every day. I've learned that not doing that allows the messiness of life to become overwhelming and for ego-driven fear, that which makes us defensive and reactive, to creep back in.

Always has been getting out on a hike deep in nature. The more flowing water and conifer smells that are included, the better.

Reset, Focus, De-stress through exercise, listening to music, tuning out from social media, news, fake news, etc. Eating a healthier diet, and taking a brake for a minute and having some Me time to Reset and for relaxation. Like go to a local farmers market or find something that is enjoyable to do.

I can get a mental health reset by doing a quick yoga video. It allows me to focus on breathing and being present, while also allowing me to move my body and refresh.

Usually anything involving physical exertion. Or a session with the head shrinker. A bike ride helps clear my head, but my therapist helps me solve problems when I'm stuck.

I found that the best practice for mental health is getting out doors! When I’m stressed, I’ve learned to take a break, go on a walk, breathe the fresh air!

Riding a bus to Panama City, and hitting as many bars as I can find, until my buddy Willie Grebe, the ex-Hiitler Youth artilleryman tell me its time to go back to the barracks, on the same bus I got there on. The next day, I will be all reset.

My go-to is getting outside. The natural rhythms of nature always calm any angst, anger, sorrow, etc. It can be hiking, kayaking or as simple as working outside. Having my Great Dane with me is also a huge calming bonus.