Don't Ignore Your Mental Health - PLEASE!!!!!!
For those of us that refuse to be quiet any longer, many of us are literally screaming to be heard. We're screaming in the protests, in the marches, on social media, at friends and family who refuse to get it. We are taking our precious time to fight for revolution.
Emotionally and physically we are fighting for our survival but we are forgetting to fight for our mental and emotional health. If we don't take care of ourselves as well, we may not be able to be here for our people.
Please take some time out of your day whenever you can to put yourself first in any way that helps you become centered.
Below I have included some ways in which you can take a mindful break and help the most important person in our life; yourself .
TIPS
know your limits, pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you are starting to lose sleep, have trouble concentrating, if you are more irritated than normal or have lost interest in things that normally make you happy. Take a step back from social media, texting, conversations that bring conflict, or protests and marches. All of these things will be there when you get back. But you will be better prepared to handle these conflicts.
Seek out people with similar interests whether it be the movement or movies. Sometimes having someone who sees where you are coming from and understands can be an excellent way to clear out the negative clutter and thoughts in your head.
Take some quiet time alone. Whether it be reading a book listening to music, watching a light movie or listening to your favorite podcast make sure to do it alone. Or just simply sit in silence for 5 - 10 minutes. This can be every day thing or whenever you have the opportunity.
A walk or a run can be a wonderful way to clear your brain and re-energize your soul and body. This can become a routine to help you step back when you become completely overwhelmed. If you feel yourself starting to go down the rabbit hole, take an immediate step back, and get out into fresh air.
develop a time limit. Allow yourself a certain amount of time on social media or engaging in any activity directly related to the revolution. If you need to set a timer do so in order to keep you in line with your goals. Once that timer has gone off you remove yourself from all activity.
Regardless of how you choose to deal with this overwhelming and unprecedented time, remember that you can not help anyone if you do not first help yourself.