We all have our triggers, things that irritate us, anger us, or hurt us and sometimes just make us feel low. If that is not enough, we have our own inner demons to fight, feelings of insecurity, inadequacy that bring us down ever so often.
My first aid kit
During moments like these, all of us have an inner ‘mental health first aid kit’ that we use sub consciously to bring us back to a feeling of well-being. Whether we use these resources consciously or sub consciously, the good news is, that we all have them.
My kit contains the following-
Listening to my favourite music
This works really well when I feel generally down and out. I have grown up loving music from the 70s and 80s and every time I feel low, I listen to some of my favourite songs. Depending on what I need at that moment I either listen to some peppy stuff by Queen or Wham or some soothing stuff by Zakir Hussain or Joe Satriani. This helps put a smile on my face because it evokes memories of a different time.
Eating something I love
Chocolate chocolate chocolate. Works like a charm. Of course, it’s a different thing that I eat this all the time, mood notwithstanding. Chocolate is known to contain serotonin which is a mood enhancer, and frankly that’s all I need to know!
Exercising
Exercise is known to have incredible health benefits and releases endorphins which immediately lifts the mood.
Doing a quick cardio routine or a few surya namaskars or even holding a plank makes me feel like I am ok despite things going on in my life.
Going to my safe place
I have this image in my head, this beautiful place that I retreat to even if for a few minutes to help me cope with things that I am dealing with. It is a stunning tree house in a wooded area with a stream running in front of it. I can actually hear the sound of the running water as it skips over the stones, I can smell the crisp air with pine going through it and I can hear the silence of the woods. Although this place is built in my imagination, it helps me cope when I feel totally down and out and have too many things pulling me down at the same time and immediately makes me feel peaceful and safe.
Remembering my go-to memory
This is really powerful. There are times when I need to access that one memory that helps me realise that things are not so bad. For me it is remembering the moment I held my daughter in my arms for the first time. That was such an incredible feeling along with the time I first held my dog in my arms when he was a tiny puppy.
Both these memories instantly act like a balm on my nerves and any anger, irritation or sadness disappears for that moment
Using an affirmation
Off late, using an affirmation has come to my aid much more often than before. Affirmations are very personal to each person and that’s what makes them so effective.
Mine is ‘to act from love and not for love’. The minute I remind myself of this statement, I find myself being able to forgive, stop a fight and even start afresh with a renewed sense of self.
Well, there you have it. This is my first aid box. Do spend some time thinking of yours. If you do find some of these challenging feelings lingering for extended lengths of time, do reach out to a mental health expert.
