It's okay not to be okay

1 in every 4 American adults suffer from a mental health disorder, and with rising financial, social, and physical troubles, it’s unfortunately not surprising. People are struggling to stay afloat and have difficulty obtaining proper mental health support and treatment.
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​May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that we need to check on our health - inside and out. Here at Usagi, we find mental health paramount. Feeling healthy mentally is just as important as physically, and we want to take the time to discuss actionable steps to take back control of your mind.

Exercise

Physical activity is proven to reduce feelings of stress and depression, boosting mental aptitude and mood. Fitting physical exercise into your daily routine may seem daunting, but it’s a lot easier than it seems upfront! Breaking your exercise into chunks (15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes at night) can be a great way to turn fitness into a labor of love.

Pro-tip: find a routine that’s genuinely fun to you, that way it’ll be way easier to stick to. Dancing, biking, and swimming are just three of countless physical activities you can get into!

Social Connection

Feeling well connected to those around us improves our social outlook and promotes positive mental and physical health. Emotional intimacy, which allows us to vocalize our feelings with someone that we trust, enhances our mental health and relationships. If you’re feeling frustrated, stressed, or anxious about a recent life development, having a heart-to-heart with someone close to you can help provide solace.
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However, while it’s good to have a support system, therapy should be seriously considered if you’re struggling long term.

Mindfulness

Many people find mindfulness techniques to be beneficial for their mental health. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are proven to reduce stress and improve focus.
One of these exercises is “box breathing”, a deep breathing technique that slows your heart rate and lowers your body temperature. It involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, breathing out for 4 seconds, and then repeating it until you feel re-centered.