Practice self-care for mental health

May is National Mental Health Month. As Spring gets into full swing we often begin many outdoor activities and are running from one place to the next. One important piece of mental health is self-care. Within the therapy world we often say, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.”

We need to take time to refill and recharge. Coping skills are often overlooked, though they are a simple way to recharged and get back on track. Coping skills take many forms, such as:

• going on a leisurely walk
• enjoying a hobby
• taking an exercise class
• going outside to go fishing or hiking (or anything else)
• coloring a picture
• reading a book
• taking a nap

My personal favorite coping skill when I struggle to calm myself from life’s stresses is mindfulness.

For those who don't know:

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

One mindfulness resource I use is the Free Mindfulness Project, which can be accessed at http://www.freemindfulness.org/download. This site offers a variety of options to take some time and focus on your breathing, or scan what is happening in your body.

Lexie Honey, LCSW, works at the Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic, a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care for Campbell County, Wyoming. The clinic serves children ages 2 weeks to 18 years old; and counseling services for children 4 years old to 21 years old. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit www.cchwyo.org/services/pediatrics/kid-clinic/.

The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District.