May is mental health awareness month. This year’s theme is Turn Awareness into Action. To recognize this, we’re highlighting what a few members of the PSFC do for their mental health.
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What daily habits do you have which support your mental health?
Long walks. Yoga. Cuddling with my bunny.
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what’s the first thing you do to reset?
Ice cold water to the face/head and back of the neck, as well as deep breathing and a walk.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share to anyone who is struggling with their mental health?
Talk to someone. The worst thing you can do is bury it inside… that’s what causes people to spiral.
What daily habits do you have which support your mental health?
To support my mental health I like to run. Going outside and moving around always make me feel fresh and more ready to take on the challenges of daily life.
As a graduate student when I needed some perspective when things were tough:
I used to go over to Killian Court on warm sunny days, read the famous names etched in stone around the parapets, feel immense gratitude that I could be at a place like MIT and work on such amazing things, lie in the grass, and imagine that I could feel the Earth turning while the clouds wheeled above me. That always put me back on a firm foundation.
What daily habits do you have which support your mental health?
I wouldn’t say it’s a daily habit, but I really enjoy watching some TV show after work as a mind break. Usually, longer comedy series with 20min episodes. Really helps me get my mind off stuff and have a good laugh.
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what’s the first thing you do to reset?
Also, this might not be the correct way to deal with all stress, but when I feel overwhelmed, I enjoy a bit distraction from the stress source. Either go eat something I like or read something unrelated, or a bit social media makes me happy. And of course, when I’m down I eat ice cream 😊 chocolate fudge brownie is ultimate No1
What’s one piece of advice you’d share to anyone who is struggling with their mental health?
My advice may not suit everyone but I feel most of the time the problem will become less serious if I jump out of the circle and take a break from it. Tiredness and anxious doesn’t make things go away. But a deep breath and some time away may be the solution.
What daily habits do you have which support your mental health?
I make sure to exercise daily, do yoga and meditation.
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what’s the first thing you do to reset?
First of all, I recognize my stress and stop doing things that make me more stressed. I also try to change my environment — for example, by going for a long walk to calm my thoughts and reduce anxiety. Then, I ask myself what is making me stressed. Is it worth stressing over, or is it baseless?
What daily habits do you have which support your mental health?
Exercise! I try my best to exercise most mornings. I find it is a great way to get energized and feel accomplished even before starting the work day!
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what’s the first thing you do to reset?
Wash the dishes! I find that washing the dishes (or a similar mindless chore) is a great way for me to take a break, listen to something I like (podcasts/music), and still do something productive (which makes me feel accomplished).
What’s one piece of advice you’d share to anyone who is struggling with their mental health?
Therapy! I have found therapy to be immensely helpful for dealing with all types of stressors, from work to personal life. It may feel scary to make the first appointment, but I promise it is 100% worth it. Here’s more info about Mental Health Services and Resources at MIT: https://health.mit.edu/services/mental-health-counseling.
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what’s the first thing you do to reset?
When I’m stressed, I pick up heavy objects and put them back down. The objects aren’t heavy enough yet so I’m motivated to do this daily.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share to anyone who is struggling with their mental health?
My advice is to marry a psychiatrist. If you can’t marry one, know that with the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), you are entitled to 52 therapy sessions per calendar year at no additional cost.