#MyEarlyMorningThoughts: Take Time To Relax For Mental Health

Our mental health should be a priority in our lives. It is so easy to allow the pressures of everyday life and those whom we feel obligated to make us feel overwhelmed and filled with anxiety that often leads to depression and/or dissatisfaction with our lives. When the pressure is on for us, we typically release that frustration out on those closest to us: our children, spouses, and possibly other coworkers. For this reason, I urge you to make your mental health a number one priority as the summer rolls around. Here are some ways I will be rejuvenating and taking care of myself this summer.

• Get quality rest by setting stricter bedtimes and waking up at a set time.
• Making a list of things I want to complete over the summer
• Going for early morning workouts outdoors and taking in the view 
• Spending more time meditating on God's word
• Improve my eating habits by taking in less processed foods and monitoring my intake 
• Journal my feelings a few times a week
• Plan ahead for local and cost efficient summer activities for the kids (Altitude, picnics, library, water park, etc)
• NO OUT OF TOWN VACATIONS! (Yes!! I said it! These can be more stressful than staying home)
• Spend more quality time with my husband
• Planned days to DO NOTHING
• Crafting from time to time
• Hanging with friends from time to time
• Reading motivational and fictional books 

So, these are just a few ways that I plan to focus on my mental health this summer. Please feel free to let me know what plan on doing this summer to help with stress, anxiety, unwinding, and simply giving back to yourself. 

P.S. ------> The picture below was taken on one of my weekend early-morning strolls!