freudandfashion – watercress words by Dr Aletha

I’ve read articles, blog posts, and social media messages suggesting that we have too much stuff and that our lives would be better with less stuff. This philosophy goes by different names- decluttering, simplifying, minimalism, and it promises a life with less stress, more peace, and more time to enjoy activities that give us pleasure and satisfaction.

I could not agree more and am trying to apply the idea to my life and home. But there are some things we need more, not less of- although they’re not things but habits that we need more of. And by decluttering, simplifying, and changing our priorities, we will have more time to develop them.

A post by another physician blogger, Vania Manipod, D.O. , brought this to my attention. Dr. Manipod is a psychiatrist who believes “it’s stylish to talk about mental health.” On her blog recently she suggested focusing on overall mental health and well-being in 2016 and listed some ideas on how to make it happen.

Let’s consider her ideas as habits that we need more of in 2016.

SLEEP– Too many of us treat sleep like a luxury or a waste of time rather than as the necessity that it is. Some of us need more quality sleep; many people are chronically tired due to undiagnosed sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea which aren’t recognized without medical evaluation.

FOOD– We need to eat more nutritious food- fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, dairy- anything that isn’t processed or full of unnecessary sugar or excessive fat.

vending machine with junk food — And we need less of this kind of food.

CONNECTION– We need to spend more time with our family and friends, keeping in touch physically and emotionally.

family playing a card game — We had fun learning a new game, Boss Monster

GIVING– We need to cultivate generosity and give more, whether it’s of our money, time, talent or possessions.

Contact the veterans' crisis line for help. — Contact the veterans’ crisis line for help.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY– We need to move more often , including sports, exercise, chores, walking, even just standing up more than we sit. Here are guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Man climbing up a rock wall — Rock climbing may be too extreme for you, but we can all find something we can do and enjoy.

MENTAL ACTIVITY– We need to read, learn new skills, start or resume a hobby, learn another language, maybe even start a blog. You might even want to read about health; here are some suggestions.

statue of boy reading a book — Children and adults can develop a reading habit.

CONVERSATION– We need communication with other people often and authentically. Social media, phone calls, text and email messages substitute when necessary, but they don’t replace face to face time with others.

Enjoy Dr. Manipod’s post at this link-