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The Top 10 List For A Mental Health Break in May
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Offers 10 Tips
for Your Daily Mental Health Break
Is your mental health on the back burner? In honor
of Mental Health Awareness Month, the California Association of Marriage
and Family Therapists (CAMFT) wants that to change this May.
CAMFT suggests that taking a daily 10-minute "mental
health break" each day could make a dramatic difference in your overall
health, especially in these tough economic times. CAMFT offers 10 tips
for a successful mental health break:
- Walk. A 10-minute walk is a quick way to
get some energy to face the rest of your day. And we don't mean walking
from your cubicle to the restroom. If you can, get outside. The fresh
air will do you good.
- Stretch. Whether you're sitting at a desk
all day or always on the go, stress on the job has the tendency to make
your muscles tight. Take 10 to stretch out, focusing on your neck and
back.
- Schedule "me" time. Use your "10"
to make a massage appointment, schedule a babysitter for a solo Saturday
shopping trip, or make plans to watch the game with friends. Knowing
you have a fun event coming up will brighten your mood.
- A 10-minute power nap is a quick way to
decompress and reenergize. Get away from your desk if you can - any
patch of green grass will do!
- Laugh. Watch a video clip from your favorite
comedian. Call your hilarious high school friend who always has a joke.
Or step out for coffee with your favorite officemate who has funny stories
about his kids.
- Journal. Writing for 10 minutes can help
you process what's on your mind. Give yourself free reign - nothing
is off limits. You can whine, kvetch, brag, or obsess as much as you
want.
- Say thank you. Is someone making your life
better, easier or more enjoyable? Whether it's a family member, co-worker,
or a friendly barista, take 10 to personally thank the person or send
a thank you note. Your mental health will benefit from the karma.
- Breathe. Taking 10 minutes to focus on
your breathing can noticeably reduce stress. 70-90 percent of doctor
visits are stressed-related. Do your part to make sure it's not you.
- De-clutter. Is your desk covered in paper,
to-do lists, and leftover lunch scraps? A clutter-free work environment
will reduce stress and help you focus.
- Find a therapist. You're worth it. It only
takes a few minutes to visit www.TherapistFinder.com and find a therapist
near you who can help you cope with any issues that are preventing you
from living a full and happy life. Whether you're married, single, in
a relationship or in a family, therapists can help you cope with issues
like anxiety, stress, relationship problems, work struggles, or challenging
family dynamics.
"Good mental health is one more tool for overall
healthy living," said Mary Riemersma, executive director of the California
Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. "A marriage and family
therapist can be a critical part of your total healthcare team who contributes
dramatically to your quality of life."
For other mental health tips or to find a California-based
marriage and family therapist in your area, visit www.TherapistFinder.com.
About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with
27 chapters throughout the
state, is an independent professional
organization, representing the interests of licensed marriage
and family therapists. CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource
to the public looking
for marriage and family therapists located in California. For more
information about CAMFT, please
call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
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