With the days getting “shorter” and the colder weather on its way, I wanted to take some time this week to talk about mental health. This time of year can be tough on many. Even with the family and fun that comes with the holidays, it can also be a very stressful time. No matter who you are or where you’re at, there’s a lot going on, and it can be a lot to carry! Be sure to take some time for yourself too.

I struggle with this sometimes as well. Just a few weeks ago I wrote a blog about struggling to sit down and do nothing. The other day I told my co-worker that I have a really hard time sitting down to watch TV or a movie nowadays because I get antsy. I know I have other things to do and I can’t get myself to sit still that long. It’s a blessing and a curse! But it’s important!! Maybe not necessarily watching TV, but taking time to unwind and relax is a must. You can’t go, go, go and expect to not fall apart eventually.

So, what is it that you like to do to relax? Read a book? Take a bath? Go for a walk? Whatever that thing is, make sure you MAKE time for it. Dan’s way of relaxing is to go hunting. He absolutely loves the outdoors, and even if he doesn’t bring any critters home with him, he simply enjoys being outside. He’s totally content sitting out in a field all day and just watching everything that goes by. When we first started dating, he told me to expect him to be gone a lot in the fall for hunting and not to try and stop him. He said hunting was one of the few things that kept him sane, and unless I wanted a grumpy and miserable boyfriend, I needed to let him get outside and go. I’ve met Grumpy Dan, and he’s not the most fun person to be around, so I’m not stopping him anytime soon! Find that thing that helps you relax, whatever it may be, and make time for it. You’re never THAT busy.

A great way to relieve stress is to exercise! I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always fun, and there have been plenty of days where I would rather do anything else. But I always feel so much better after getting a work out in. In college, when I was stressed out over tests and assignments, I’d hit the pool hard. There were plenty of days where I even did more than one work out if my stress level was particularly high. It’s way more productive than screaming at someone or crying because you’re so stressed. 🙂

And for those of you who may be reading this and going, “Well, that’s just fine and dandy, Megan, but I don’t have time to exercise.” LIES!! You have time. If it’s important to you – and something like exercise SHOULD be important to you! – you will make time. Sometimes it’ll be a shorter workout, sometimes you might have to wake up earlier or squeeze it in at lunch, but I promise you, you have time. Earlier this week on a day that I would normally have gotten up to run at 5:15, I chose sleep instead. It happens, sometimes you need a bit more beauty sleep. It was a really busy day, and I didn’t have the opportunity to work out until almost 9pm. At that point, I was tired and I really just wanted to get ready for bed. But I knew I would feel a lot better if I got a work out in. So, I put my running shoes on and went for a jog. And you know what? It felt pretty freaking awesome. It was later, there weren’t a ton of cars or people out and about, and it was quiet (don’t worry mom and dad, I had my pepper spray on me!). I had time to unwind and relax, and work off the stress of the week. Trust me, there’s no better stress relief!

If you’re dealing with other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, make sure you reach out to someone. Trust me, I know life is hard, I totally get it. I’ve been down both roads myself. Neither are fun and they literally drain the life out of you. I’m not going to go into specifics, but I’m glad I reached out for help when I did. Please, please, if you are experiencing some darkness, don’t be afraid to reach out. It is not a sign of weakness, and it ALWAYS gets better. It may not always get better right away, it may take some time – years even. But stick it out and I promise it’ll be worth it. Even if you just need someone to vent to, I’m all ears! Students come to my office often just to get things off their chest. I’m a good listener. I can’t promise I’ll be able to solve any problems, but I can listen.

So, get off your phone, computer, tablet, whatever you’re reading this on, and go relax! Unwind. De-stress. Whatever it may be. Find the thing that brings you joy and run with it! Life is too short to be stressed and unhappy. Enjoy it!

Until next time! 🙂

Megan Reiffenberger