Building Better Mental Health Habits

Taking Better Care of Your Emotional Health

Like other areas of your health, it's important to look after your emotional wellness. In light of Mental Health Month, the health experts at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital are here to share some tips to help you bolster your mental and emotional health.

Start Setting Boundaries

Although more often than not, we’re happy to help out others when we can, it can be detrimental to your mental health when you spread yourself too thin. When you’re not feeling your best, it is important to prioritize yourself and learn that it’s okay to say “no.”

Try Journaling

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to let out distressing emotions and your inner thoughts and feelings freely without fear of judgement. Studies have shown that writing out your feelings can improve your mental health in the following ways:

• Reduces stress levels.
• Lowers anxiety levels.
• Improves verbal and written communication skills.
• Improves problem solving skills.

Set Aside “Me” Time

While it may seem like a selfish activity, setting aside time for yourself is an important part of maintaining your mental health and wellness. Just like you would set aside time to work out or build a balanced diet, it is essential that you dedicate time to doing activities that make you feel relaxed and fulfilled.

Some examples of activities to do for yourself include:

• Taking a warm shower or bath.
• Listening to music you enjoy.
• Reading your favorite book.
• Trying yoga or meditation.
• Take a nature walk.
• Hiking.
• Gardening.

Mental Services in Ridgecrest, California

Although struggling with your mental health can feel like an isolating experience, more than half of American adults experience mental illness. At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, our professional mental health clinicians provide a safe, supportive, and healing environment for patients admitted to the hospital as inpatients as well as those who see our clinicians on an outpatient basis.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or a mental health crisis, our compassionate team of mental health professionals is here to help. To learn more about our mental health services, visit our website or give us a call at (760) 446-3551 (Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM) to schedule an appointment.