By Key Club International Trustee Ariana Lee
It is that time of the year again — the time of exams, end-of-year deadlines and, for some, freezing temperatures.
At the end of the year, it’s essential to prioritize your mental health and practice healthy de-stressing techniques. Luckily, Erika’s Lighthouse, one of Key Club International’s partners, has a few mechanisms for Key Club members to employ. Derick Elkin, Erika’s Lighthouse’s empowerment club coordinator, offers the following tips about the importance of mental health and healthy coping techniques:
Taking care of your mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. We all know how important it is to take care of our bodies to stay healthy. It is just as important to take care of our minds. We all have mental health, and we should all take steps to keep it well. Here are some ways that you can take care of your mental health.
Use positive coping mechanisms
Here are a few ideas:
- Journaling. This activity can help you verbalize your emotions and feelings. It also can help you solve problems and understand how to feel better.
- Get active. Exercise can help release endorphins, boosting your mood and confidence. Being active during the day also can help you sleep better at night.
- Breathe deeply. Controlled deep breathing can help you calm down, especially when you are feeling stressed or anxious. Try this example of a good breathing exercise.
- Talk to someone you trust. Being able to confide in another person allows you to air your concerns, identify problems and get help solving problems. It can also just help you feel less alone.
Educate yourself about mental health
Use the Teen Toolbox from Erika’s Lighthouse to better understand mental health. You will find more positive coping mechanisms, information about how to seek help, information about mental health challenges and more.