6 Tips To Improve Your Mental Health When You're Feeling Stressed And Exhausted

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. So, often we focus on physical health without addressing mental health until there's a problem.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially for physicians who are dealing with high levels of stress and exhaustion.

It is more than the absence of mental illness. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. 

It can sometimes feel hard to find the time to support your mental health when you're already feeling stressed and exhausted.

Believe it or not, taking a few simple steps each day to intentionally care for your mental and emotional well-being can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Allow this month of awareness to be the impetus to develop habits and discover strategies that can improve your mental health.

Here are some tips that can help:

1. Prioritize self-care: Make sure to prioritize your own physical and mental health needs. This may mean setting aside time for exercise, relaxation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but necessary to perform at your best. If you're struggling to find time for self-care, start with just 5 minutes. A little goes a long way.
   
   
2. Seek support: It's important to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if you are feeling overwhelmed. You can also connect with colleagues who may be going through similar experiences. Reach out to a trusted advisor or find a group of like-minded physicians where you can discuss issues unique to a life in medicine. Knowing that you're not alone can be comforting.
   
   
3. Manage stress: Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Don't forget about other activities that can be meditative like running, knitting/crocheting, and dance. Additionally, you can try to identify the sources of stress and develop strategies to manage them.
   
   
4. Set boundaries: Learn to say no (it's a complete sentence) to tasks that may overwhelm you and set realistic expectations for yourself. Setting boundaries in your personal and professional life can help you avoid burnout.
   
   
5. Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks throughout the day and prioritize rest. Taking a short walk or practicing a brief meditation can help you recharge and refocus. My youngest grandson has "brain breaks" at school that allow a period of mental rest. I look for simple ways to include these brain breaks into my day - closing my eyes for 2 minutes (set a timer, it feels like much longer), gazing out the window at nature for 5 minutes, or listening to music for 3-4 minutes.
   
   
6. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused, even during stressful times. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or simply by being aware of your thoughts and feelings. One strategy to bring your attention to the present is to notice 5 things you see around you, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you can taste (even if you're not eating or drinking).
   
   

Remember, mental health is an ongoing process, and it's important to prioritize it as part of your overall health and well-being.

If you know of a physician or health care professional that could benefit from these tips, please share this article with them.

You never know what someone is going through (so many in the medical community are suffering in silence). This could be the thing that starts the conversation.