April 30 - Mental Health Literacy L2 - Routines & Habits

Use strategies to help take care of your mental health. You need to balance your body, mind, feelings, and relationships. This means that you can think, feel, act, and interact in ways that help you enjoy life and solve problems.

Keeping your body healthy will also help to keep your mind healthy. Keep a routine with exercise, lots of sleep, and healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Avoid screen time late at night to help you sleep well. Talk and eat with real people in person. There are tools online to help you with being mindful, like deep breathing.

Make a plan and organize your life to reduce stress. Take the time to learn about the facts and tools you can use ahead of time. Things will work out better when you are ready to deal with problems when they happen.

For example, changing into high school can feel stressful and hard. You can lessen the stress by getting ready and having information. You can visit the high school during a tour. You can ask questions to your teacher, guidance counsellors, or other high school students that you know.

You need to take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it. Talk to your trusted adults if the thoughts in your mind are making you feel unwell. Spend time with friends who help you feel safe.

Take part in the activities and traditions in your community to have a sense of belonging.

Some First Nations people smudge. This is a tradition where people fan smoke from herbal medicines over their bodies to cleanse and gain balance.

People can use different strategies at different times and places.