Mental Health Mantra
You've seen the memes on social media: Drink more water. Get some sun. Turn off the television. Though Mental Health Awareness month is in May, it's important any time of year. Summer is coming soon to the Northern Hemisphere, and with it the opportunity to get out into the sun and shake off those cold-weather blahs.
Even if you're not able to get outside, summer is your chance to open a window and chase out the stale air. You can do the same with your mind. Stuck in a loop of old ideas? Challenge them with a new book, a new podcast, or some creative expression through art, cooking, crafting, or design. If you're not the crafty sort, pay a visit to the zoo or a museum. A little movement and a new locale are great for helping you switch mental gears.
Finding Your Reset Button
"Health" is my watchword for this year. That means I need to focus on mind, body, and financial wellness. This spring, I went on a writing retreat at Mt. Hope House, a historical bed and breakfast in Rochester, NY. After a few setbacks of various sorts this winter, I was having a rough time getting back into writing. The visit to the retreat was just the thing for jarring me out of my rut. Between that and some fresh creative pursuits, I'm feeling much better and ready to get back to putting real words down. If I falter, I can always remember the expression of this fellow who was hanging in the dining room at the B&B, "Cavalier" by Alex de Andreis. He looks quite ready to scold me for slacking off, doesn't he?
I hope you find time for your own reset, too. If you have a favorite pastime for unwinding, I'd love to hear it. Stay healthy, and Happy Reading!
