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Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book has taught me that I do not need to make all kinds of big changes in order to get the outcomes that I am looking for. If you are anything like me, I see a big outcome that I want but I rarely bring it back to the small changes that I could stack and end up getting there. I tend to get frustrated if I do not see results quickly and just basically throw in the towel.
Description from Amazon:The #1 New York Times bestseller. Over 20 million copies sold!
Tiny Changes, Remarkable ResultsNo matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.
Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.
Learn how to:
make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
design your environment to make success easier;
get back on track when you fall off course;
…and much more.
Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits–whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.
You can get your copy whether you would rather listen to it through the audible app or you enjoy an actual book that you hold in your hands.Grab it right here
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9 Mind Strategies to Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle.
Although you must follow through with certain behaviors when you’re seeking to live a healthier lifestyle, many experts believe that healthy behaviors have their roots in your mind. What you think and believe will determine how well you’ll follow through and apply the overall choice of a healthy lifestyle in your daily existence.
Consider these mind strategies to increase the likelihood for a healthy lifestyle:
- Recognize your prior life successes. Take some time to reflect on what you’ve been successful at in the past. Then, use those prior life successes to ignite your passion for living healthily.
- Maybe you’re proud of the fact you worked yourself through college.
- Perhaps you’re known as the co-worker to go to when seeking work knowledge.
- Maybe you took care of your ailing mother and nursed her back to health.
- You can use these past successes to your advantage in the present!
- Consider what’s good and positive about your life right now. Perhaps you live in a beautiful apartment right where you want to be. Maybe you’re in a great relationship and you’re pretty pumped about how it’s progressing.
- When you embrace all of the good in your life, you’ll be more motivated to strive for good health.
- Think about the connections between a healthy lifestyle and a happy life. For example, reflect on how great you feel physically and emotionally when you eat a good breakfast or choose to meditate or practice some yoga first thing in the morning. Also, take notice of how well you can relax and sleep when you skip that heavy snack in the evening. When you can go to bed not having that bloated “Thanksgiving meal” feeling you will sleep much better. Good sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
- When you recognize the intimate relationship between your daily choices and your emotions, you’ll be more driven to take steps to live well.
- Renew your commitment to your own health each day. Determine what you really want for yourself and your future. Write it down, the things you really desire. Where you want to be in a year, 5 or even 10. Ask yourself every day if what you are choosing is helping you get closer to these goals.
- What kind of lifestyle do you desire? A life where you sit in front of the television all evening and most weekends or one where you’re active, trying new physical activities all the time, and discovering adventure? Do you want to travel the world and experience a new destination? Do you want to be able to be present and actively play with your grandchildren? Do you want to be able to hike that challenging trail or just take pictures from the bottom?
- Make it a personal goal to become physically and emotionally stronger. When you have physical strength, emotional strength isn’t far behind. Please wake up and promise yourself that you are going to take this one great big beautiful life that you have and fill it full of all the incredible things that are available to you.
- Vow to strengthen your core and get it into tip-top shape, as much as the core exercise options suck in the “fun” category. When your core is strong you will feel empowered to get after the other challenges you are facing.
- Tap into your courage, find your fight again, and choose your path to a healthy lifestyle. If this is choices in diet, mindfulness or even choosing therapy to purge any childhood trauma that may be holding you back it is vital to finding your ultimate happiness.
- Realize that you can eat the flavors and foods you want in moderation. Use positive, optimistic thinking regarding nutrition. Avoid taking the approach that you must deny yourself of the tastes you love.
- Instead, say that there’s nothing you can’t have as long as you limit the portions. And then remind yourself of all the healthy good food you can have like juicy fruits, savory vegetables, and high-protein snacks.
This book shows you how just the tiniest of changes can make the biggest difference. You can shop for it here!
- Take it one day at a time. Living your life one day at a time keeps things simple. Say to yourself, “Just for today, I will eat fresh and healthy foods and I will exercise.” Recognize that although tomorrow is another day, for now, you’ll stay on the path you’ve chosen for increased vigor and vitality.
- Remain emotionally connected with yourself—live life consciously. When you live life consciously, you recognize the power you hold in every decision. Pull from your energy to make positive choices from that power.
- You’ll likely experience feelings of exhilaration and excitement in your efforts!
- Have faith and confidence in yourself. Connect with your self-confidence to take a clearer path toward vitality and longevity. Think about these aspects of yourself. Re-discover your fearlessness.
When you apply these strategies, you’ll experience the sweet joy that comes with demonstrating a healthy lifestyle. Go ahead – you know you can do it!
If you are looking for a way to bring more peace into your world and reduce your stress. Check out this post on the Danish lifestyle Hygge. https://www.mamawithmoxie.org/hygge-what-it-is-and-how-to-embrace-it/
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Protecting your peace–There is nothing more important.
One of the best decisions I have made has been to focus on my peace, and how I will protect it. I am nearing my 53rd birthday and have learned much in those years. I have been through a ton of incredible experiences and through a ton of pain. I have experienced love and I have experienced hate, from all of these came lessons. I have traveled the world, made amazing friends, and now is my time to protect my inner calm. Come along with me and let’s take the best care of ourselves in this one life we have to live.
Here are the best ways that I have found to start protecting my peace.
** Prioritize self-care practices like meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and spending time in nature, while also setting healthy boundaries with others, actively managing your exposure to negativity, and consciously choosing activities that bring you joy and relaxation; essentially, putting your well-being first and actively managing factors that could disrupt your inner calm.
Key strategies to protect your peace:
Mindfulness and Meditation:
Regular meditation practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to better manage them and respond calmly to stressors.
Set Boundaries:
Make sure you communicate your needs and limits to others, saying “no” when necessary to protect your time and energy.
Limit Negative Exposure:
Be selective about the people you spend time with and the information you consume, minimizing exposure to negativity and drama. Do not allow someone to belittle you or make you believe that you are less than you deserve.
Self-Care Routine:
Participate in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as healthy eating, regular exercise, hobbies, and adequate sleep.
Practice Gratitude:
Focus on the positive aspects of your life by actively practicing gratitude through journaling or mental reflection. Grab a journal like this one here, and keep track of your emotions and the things that you are blessed with around you.
Time in Nature:
Spending time outdoors can significantly reduce stress and promote feelings of peace. Take a long walk in the woods, get some sunshine outside. Listen to the sounds around you, the trees, the birds, the wind.
Digital Detox:
Take breaks from social media and technology to avoid information overload and mental fatigue. If the news stresses you out, turn it off. If you find yourself getting burned out looking at all of the ads, or comparing yourself to others then it is time to turn off the social media and focus on yourself.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
Develop healthy ways to manage stress, like deep breathing exercises, journaling, or listening to calming music. Make yourself a playlist of songs that make you happy, read a really good book, or learn a new skill. For me, it is to cook. I love being in the kitchen creating good food for my family.
Seek Professional Help:
If you’re struggling with managing your emotions or maintaining peace, you could and should consider therapy or counseling to gain additional tools and support. Many factors go into our mental health and you deserve to feel your best. We all can benefit by getting things out of our heads, whether on paper or to a professional. Below is a list of resources that can help you. Above all, if you are considering or have considered suicide you must reach out for help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
Here are some incredible videos and podcasts that may help you, I know that they have helped me tremendously.
https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorRamani
https://www.youtube.com/@melrobbins
https://www.calm.com/blog/inner-peace
I use the Aura app and I absolutely love it! Find it here.
I have to give the biggest props to this book — incredible read, and as always when Mel Robbins speaks, I feel it in my soul.
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Kristin Hannah and her book that started my obsession.
This is the book that introduced me to the fabulous Kristin Hannah, and I’m so glad I took the leap. Each one of her books has left me a little speechless. It is incredible what a woman’s spirit and strength can endure and Hannah captures the power of women in so many different ways. I recommend picking up one of her many books. This is where I started.
Description from Amazon: With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France—a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.
You can pick up this and all of her other bestsellers here
If you are like me and looking for the best way to work on your mental health you can read my post on mental health and why it is so important here. Also, check out this company. They donate 10% of all profits to Mental Health America! Click the link below to get my discount. Protecting your peace may just become your lifelong goal like it is becoming mine.
https://findthegoodbrand.com/?ref=byloejks
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The Life We Bury by Allen Eskins
This week I went back in time and found an incredible book that I somehow had missed. If any of you have read it, please let me know what you thought. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It is a light read but very thought-provoking.
College student Joe Talbert has the modest goal of completing a writing assignment for an English class. His task is to interview a stranger and write a brief biography of the person. With deadlines looming, Joe heads to a nearby nursing home to find a willing subject. There he meets Carl Iverson, and soon nothing in Joe’s life is ever the same. Carl is a dying Vietnam veteran–and a convicted murderer. With only a few months to live, he has been medically paroled to a nursing home, after spending thirty years in prison for the crimes of rape and murder. As Joe writes about Carl’s life, especially Carl’s valor in Vietnam, he cannot reconcile the heroism of the soldier with the despicable acts of the convict. Joe, along with his skeptical female neighbor, throws himself into uncovering the truth, but he is hamstrung in his efforts by having to deal with his dangerously dysfunctional mother, the guilt of leaving his autistic brother vulnerable, and a haunting childhood memory. Thread by thread, Joe unravels the tapestry of Carl’s conviction. But as he and Lila dig deeper into the circumstances of the crime, the stakes grow higher. Will Joe discover the truth before it’s too late to escape the fallout?
You can find the book in your favorite form here!
**This post contains affiliate links, I receive a small commission if you purchase through my link at no additional cost to you.
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12 Methods to Help You Quit Smoking for Good
We all know that smoking can cause health issues including heart disease and cancer. It’s easy for someone to say that one should quit, but doing it is not such an easy task.
If you’ve ever tried to quit smoking before, but couldn’t, it may be time to give it another try. Many people who have quit smoking had to try a few times to make it happen.
My quit date was Dec 30th, 2019. If the calculators out there are to be believed, I am saving over $2000/yr. Since there is no price tag on our health that number goes way beyond the $10000 I have already saved. I am here to tell you that if I can do it, you can too!
Here is the way I finally crushed the habit for good. I knew that I had in my head that I wanted or needed to quit. It is extremely expensive, but I’d like to be around to watch my (someday) grandkids grow up. Smoking made everything I wore smell like an ashtray. I was tired of panicking about where I would be able to get my “fix” when traveling or out and about with nearly everywhere being a smoke-free environment.
I knew all of these things in my head now I asked myself –” why is it going to be different this time?”
This is the exact plan I used and maybe it can work for you too!
1. I looked forward and saw myself without the addiction, what would be better about my life?
2. I decided to break the “habit” part of the addiction before actually attempting to quit. (The mindless cigarette after dropping the kids off, the short smoke on my lunch break, before bed-first thing in the morning–you get the drift)
3. Now that you have recognized how that “habit” has just taken over, you have the power to take the power back. I did not try to quit until I had sufficiently put the habit on it’s head. In my mind I didn’t panic because I was still technically a smoker. I just decided when and where I would smoke. I cut back until I felt myself getting easily angry or stressed, had a half cigarette and went on with life.
4. I told myself and acted as if I was a non-smoker. I had been a smoker for decades so this wasn’t easy. I needed to learn a whole new pattern in my brain. Your self-talk is extremely powerful, USE IT to your advantage.
5. Once all of these things and the “habit” had shaken up. I bought myself my FINAL pack of cigarettes and put it in the freezer so I wouldn’t let myself think about the fact that I had zero options and would have to drive the 11 miles to pick up a pack (causing me to think more about it, and giving my power away) instead I was in control. I had the choice and I would not take my frustrations out on my family, before that would happen I would open that pack and just move on.
6. Every day I kept acting as if I were a non-smoker, a sort of fake it-till-you-make-it mentality. I carried that unopened pack with me when we were going out. In February 2020 I handed that pack of cigarettes to a friend and never looked back.
Extra tips:
If you feel like you will need more help, visit with your doctor. I used the nicotine patch for about 2 weeks. I cannot tell you if that made a huge difference or not but, I wanted to set myself up for success.
Be kind to yourself and do not beat yourself up for setbacks. Just move on and start again.
You can use the fake it till you make it method in nearly every aspect of your life.
Additional tips for your success
- Be positive. Even if you have tried and failed to quit smoking in the past, you can still be positive about trying it again. Look at what the previous experience was like. What would you do differently this time around?
- Eat foods that support quitting smoking. Certain foods can make cigarettes more satisfying, while others have the opposite effect. While you’re quitting, try and avoid meat. Instead, opt for cheese, fruit, and vegetables.
- Change what you drink. Your choice of drink can also affect how the cigarettes taste. Avoid any fizzy drinks, tea, or coffee. Instead, opt for water and juice.
- Get some support. If you have friends or family that may want to quit smoking, suggest that you give up smoking together. There will also likely be a local support group that you could visit. The expert advice you get from these support groups will give you a better chance of quitting.
- Exercise. Getting regular exercise, even if it is only 5 minutes a day, will ensure that your body produces chemicals that can reduce cravings.
- Learn new ways to relax. Nicotine can help people relax, so when you quit, it’s important to find a different way to de-stress. Your favorite music or a massage may be an option. A new hobby can also help keep you busy and relaxed.
- Enjoy immediate health benefits. Just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate will return to normal. Within the day, the levels of carbon monoxide will fall back to their normal levels. And within 2-3 weeks, your chances of suffering a heart attack will also reduce.
- Have a spring clean. To remove all of the reminders of your time smoking, and to reduce temptation, give your house a deep clean. Clean your carpets, clothes, and upholstery. If you used to smoke in the car, clean that too.
- Keep your hands and mouth busy. When you are out at a party, consider holding your drink with the same hand as a cigarette. Use a straw to keep your mouth busy.
- Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). There are numerous patches, tablets, lozenges, gum, and nasal sprays that you can use to reduce cravings. These products all contain nicotine, which is what you are craving when you want to light a cigarette.
- Make a list of reasons why you want to quit. Why do you want to quit smoking? Write a list of reasons and carry it around with you. Read your list back to yourself whenever you’re tempted to have a cigarette.
- Reward yourself. When you no longer experience any cravings, reward yourself. Smoking is an expensive habit, so along with the health benefits that you’ll gain from quitting, you’ll also be able to save money too. You could use this saved money to treat yourself to something fun.
Even if you’ve tried to quit smoking before, try these strategies to take another go at it. This time can be the time you quit for good.
You can use this new planner to track your successes, goals, and even setbacks. Recognizing what is working and what is not can be vital in winning your final battle.
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American Dirt (Oprah’s book club) by Jeanine Cummins
This book was recommended to me by a friend and I couldn’t be happier that I picked it up. With everything going on in our world, there probably isn’t a better time than now to take the time to read this excellent book. Here is the description from Amazon.
Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt, the #1 New York Times bestseller and Oprah Book Club pick that has sold over three million copies
Lydia lives in Acapulco. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while cracks are beginning to show in Acapulco because of the cartels, Lydia’s life is, by and large, fairly comfortable. But after her husband’s tell-all profile of the newest drug lord is published, none of their lives will ever be the same.
Forced to flee, Lydia and Luca find themselves joining the countless people trying to reach the United States. Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?American Dirt gives us a different perspective on the border battle, the incredible love between a mother and a son in an unbreakable bond. If you are looking for a different read it is both touching and heartbreaking to follow them on this journey.
Follow this link to find this book on Amazon. If you are a member of the Kindle Unlimited family it is included in your membership.
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
If you have seen this title and wondered what it could be about? Here’s the low down! Take a chance, you will not be disappointed! It is even better on Audible. Whoever does Martellus is incredible.
Here are the title details from Amazon:
You can grab a copy right here! It is available for .99 with your audible membership. It will be the best purchase under a dollar this week.
A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!
“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” — Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here
For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
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9 Mind Strategies to live a healithier lifestyle.
Although you must follow through with certain behaviors when you’re seeking to live a healthier life style, many experts believe that healthy behaviors have need to have an anchor in your mind. What you think and believe will determine how well you’ll follow through and what you do in your every day life will lead you to the healthy lifestyle you are wanting.
Consider these mind strategies to strengthen your chances to live a more healthy lifestyle:
- Recognize your prior life successes. Take some time to look back on what you’ve been successful at in the past. Then, use those prior life successes to ignite your passion to keep you going.
- Maybe you’re proud of the fact you worked yourself through college.
- Perhaps you’re known as the co-worker to go to when seeking work knowledge.
- Maybe you took care of your ailing mother and nursed her back to health.
- You can use these past successes to your advantage in the present!
- Consider what’s good and positive about your life right now. Perhaps you live in a lovely apartment located just where you want to be. Maybe you’re in a great relationship and you are excited for the future.
- When you practice gratitude for all that you already have in life, you’ll be more motivated to strive for good health to add to your happiness and the happiness of those closest to you.
- Think about the connections between a healthy lifestyle and a happy life. For example, reflect on how great you feel physically and emotionally when you finish that half-hour bike ride or spend an hour outside in nature. Also, take notice of how well you are sleeping when you are taking good care of yourself both physically and mentally.
- When you notice the close relationship between your daily lifestyle choices and your emotions, you’ll be more focused on taking steps to live well.
- Renew your commitment to your own health each day. Determine what you really want for yourself and your future. Write it down, and look at it every single day. You have just one chance at this wild and crazy life and you want to make the absolute most amazing journey you can.
- What kind of lifestyle do you desire? A life where you sit in front of the television all evening and most weekends or one where you’re active, trying new physical activities all the time, and discovering adventure?
- Make it a personal goal to become physically and emotionally stronger. When you have physical strength, emotional strength isn’t far behind.
- Vow to strengthen your core and get it into top shape.
- Tap into your courage to follow your path to a healthy lifestyle.
- Realize that you can eat the flavors and foods you want in moderation. Use positive, optimistic thinking regarding nutrition. Avoid taking the approach that you must deny yourself of the tastes you love.
- Instead, say that there’s nothing you can’t have as long as you limit the portions. And then remind yourself of all the healthy good food you can have like juicy fruits, savory vegetables, and high protein snacks.
- Take it one day at a time. Living your life one day at a time keeps things simple. Say to yourself, “Just for today, I will eat fresh and healthy foods and I will exercise.” Recognize that although tomorrow is another day, for now, you’ll stay on the path you’ve chosen for increased vigor and vitality.
- Remain emotionally connected with yourself—live life consciously. When you live life consciously, you recognize the power you hold in every decision. Pull from your energy to make positive choices from that power.
- You’ll likely experience feelings of happiness and energy when you accomplish your goals.
- Have faith and confidence in yourself. Tap into your confidence and that will lead you down a path toward vitality and longevity. Think of how you will feel when you reach these goals. Discover your power.
When you apply these strategies, you’ll experience the sweet joy that comes with demonstrating a healthy lifestyle. Have confidence in yourself and believe in your abilities. You are stronger then you think.
If you are looking for more material on living a healthier lifestyle follow this link here
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Mental health and why you need to pay attention to it.
Understanding the Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is the most important component of our overall well-being, but it typically doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Recently the conversations involving mental health have become more accepted, but there is still a lot to be done. Understanding mental health, recognizing its signs, and knowing how to manage stress are essential for leading a balanced and full life.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a trifecta of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and your teenage years through adulthood.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is so important because it can affect every aspect of our lives. Good mental health helps us deal with the stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to our communities. On the flip side, poor mental health can lead to a range of problems, such as depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders that can disrupt how we get from day to day.
Common Mental Health Issues
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders and can include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These disorders show up with excessive fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities.
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, affecting how you think, feel, and handle daily activities.
Stress
Stress is a natural part of life and can even be beneficial in small doses, helping us to motivate ourselves. However, chronic stress can have a serious impact on mental and physical health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
The Role of Mental Health Quotes
Mental health quotes can serve as powerful reminders of the importance of taking care of our mental well-being. Taking part in a daily gratitude practice or having a daily affirmation can help us reprogram our minds to look at life differently. They can inspire us to seek help when needed and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. You may be surprised to know how many people suffer with various mental health conditions.
Quotes from mental health advocates, psychologists, and even celebrities can offer comfort and encouragement.
Examples of Mental Health Quotes
- “Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is essential. Your self-care is a necessity.” — Unknown
- “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman
- “Mental health needs a great deal of attention. It’s the final taboo and it needs to be faced and dealt with.” — Adam Ant
Mental health statistics from the U.S. in 2024
23.08% of adults in the US experienced a mental illness in the past year, which is about 60 million people. 5.86% of those adults experienced a severe mental illness.
Anxiety
43% of adults in the US say they feel more anxious than they did in 2023. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the US, affecting 42.5 million people.
Youth mental health
20.17% of youth ages 12–17 reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. 15% of those youth experienced a severe episode that impacted their functioning at school, work, or home.
Treatment
Only 43% of adults with a mental illness received mental health care in 2024. 1 in 4 adults with frequent mental distress couldn’t see a doctor due to cost.
Suicide
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, with more than 40,000 Americans dying by suicide annually.
Mental health cost
Serious mental illness costs the US more than $190 billion in lost earnings each year.
Other mental health statistics include:
- Women are about twice as likely to experience depression as men.
- ADHD, anxiety, behavior problems, and depression are the most common mental health disorders in children.
- Almost half of Americans will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.
Just looking at these numbers helps us to realize that so many of our friends and neighbors could be suffering and maybe feeling alone. Do not be afraid to reach out to people, always be kind and remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. You may be the reason that someone decides to reach out for help.
Stress Management Techniques
Managing stress is a crucial part of maintaining good mental health. Here are some effective stress management techniques:
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Regular exercise can also improve sleep, which can be negatively affected by stress.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help increase mindfulness and reduce stress.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and drugs can have a positive impact on mental health. A healthy lifestyle supports physical health, which in turn benefits mental well-being.
Connect with Others
Building a strong support network with friends and family can provide emotional support and help alleviate stress. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust can be incredibly comforting.
Seeking Professional Help
If you are struggling with mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, can provide support, guidance, and treatment options tailored to your needs.
When to Seek Help
Consider seeking help if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Inability to perform daily tasks
- Excessive worry or fear
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Substance abuse
Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of mental health is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. By recognizing the signs of mental health issues, engaging in stress management techniques, and seeking help when necessary, we can improve our mental well-being and overall quality of life. Remember, mental health matters just as much as physical health, and taking steps to nurture it is a vital part of self-care. Let’s continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and support one another in our journeys to well-being.
Know someone that needs a little boost? Or even treating yourself click here for ideas!
