How Do You Take Care of Your Mental Health?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked our fellow Uprisers how they practice self-care and prioritize their mental health. Read below to hear what they say!

“I created a playlist that helps me de-stress and relax and re-energize.  I like to walk, so I plug in my earbuds and take a 15 – 20 minute walk a couple of times a day.” — Janet J., Clinical

“For my daily mental health fix, I love to walk my dogs, listen to the birds chirping, breathe in the fresh air and engage in small talk with my neighbors! It is a great way to increase my activity, relax, engage socially, and take a break from the screen.” — Elizabeth D., Clinical

“I like to practice something that can clear my mind of clutter and focus on a task. For me, it’s LEGO- or model-building – they offer a simple task to task activity for focus. Focusing on something so rigidly task oriented pushes out all other thoughts and allows me to be clear minded during the activity. For me, the clarity gained from time spent during such an exercise allows me to reapproach everything else from a fresh start.” — Jay D., Account Management

“Music plays a big role in my daily life in regard to taking care of my mental health. When I am overwhelmed and need to ground myself, first thing I do is grab my ear pods! Depending on my mood, I’ll either meditate in a quiet place, or put on my favorite play list and dance it out! Remember to breathe, and always give yourself grace!” — Angela M., Clinical

“The three pillars in my life that support my mental health are regular check-ins with my therapist, outdoor-playtime/snuggle-time/walk-time (actually, anytime!) with my puppy, and lifting my voice in harmony every week with a community chorus made up of fellow music-lovers with a sense of humor.” — Rebika S., ELT

“The perfect ways for me to relax mentally are 1) go to the gym and workout for an hour, if possible, focusing on cardio, 2) take an early morning walk on the beach, and 3) take an evening bathtub shower for at least 30 minutes filling the tub with some coconut milk and regular milk and warm water with rose petals and turn on some classical or calming music.” — Liz N., Operations

“Going for walks downtown or on the beach with my dogs allows me to connect with nature and community. I come from a family of true comedians, and spending time with them always results in belly laughs, which is great for my mental health.” — Annie R., Compliance

“For my mental health, I talk to someone weekly and it helps. I work out during my lunch time to come back refreshed, or I’ll sit outside during the Florida sunshine for a break. I will actually take my vacation and go on a cruise. That’s how I take care of my mental health.” — Lisa F., Operations

“When I feel anxious or depressed, I look forward to watching my guys play soccer, listening to music, playing with my dogs, and reading.” — Dacia C., Operations

“I believe mental health and physical health go hand in hand and I make sure I go to the gym and work out 4-6 times a week while nourishing my body with healthy foods.” — Brad K., Sales

“Here are my steps for a better mental health: 1) Stay hydrated and drink lots of water, eat healthy, sleep as much as possible; 2) Stay active and moving. Join a sports team, dance, become a coach, gardening, work on a hobby; and 3) If something is bothering you, express your feelings. People need to vent out. It’s better to speak out loud, then keep the thoughts inside.” — Jason D., Finance

“Ozzy has been the major factor of how I take care of my mental health. He is at my side and knows when I am going through obstacles of life. I tend to stop and focus on him, going for walks or playing and giving my energy to him when I realize life may be overwhelming. I also enjoy working out 5 days a week and cooking when I am under stress or pressure from the time life may throw you a curveball.” — Michael B., Operations

“To care for my mental health, I spend time in nature, soak up lots of sunshine, embrace serenity, and take life one day at a time. By staying present, I find peace and clarity in the simplicity of today.” — Emily C., Sales

“I see a counselor to help manage life. Also exercise, and mindfulness, meditation.” — James D., Clinical

“For my mental health, I take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field. It’s a great way to be outdoors, with an added bonus of physical activity as I’m able to walk or bike to the stadium!” — Mallori B., Marketing

“The best thing I do for my mental health is get outside for a walk along the beach.  Of course, I don’t do it as often as I should.  I also find that if I forget my phone I get a sense of freedom.  Just proof that we need to disengage from our phones and tablets more often.” — Beth R., Clinical

“My mental health self-care is attending my monthly book club meetup and running! I have a goal of running a half marathon in each state and I am on state #17! My 6-year-old son is certainly the source of my inspiration!!” — Christa L., Clinical

“For my Mental Health, I like to sit at the beach and listen to the ocean. It clears my mind, and it is so relaxing.” — Marlene A., Operations

“To support my mental health, I start most mornings with a walk within an hour of waking—rain or shine. It’s a simple ritual that helps me feel grounded and sets a positive tone for the day. I also lift weights to relieve stress and make time to connect with my loved ones, which keeps me centered and supported.” — Tina M., Clinical

“I have a mini-stepper and balance board to encourage movement. I watch my dog during walks (right leg or left leg? Why?). And, guilty confession, I use pre-packaged salads.” — Suzanne V., Inflexxion

“I do containment and resources meditation, exercise, go to therapy, play with my daughters, get off my phone by 9 pm, read books (I’m reading the Harry Potter series right now. I’m on the Goblet of Fire). I set really clear boundaries about what I am willing to accept in my life.” — BreAnne U., Clinical

“I make it a point to travel at least once a year, as I find it incredibly therapeutic. In the midst of our busy work lives, it’s easy to forget to pause and appreciate our personal time. Traveling serves as a powerful reminder for me to slow down, recharge, and truly enjoy life beyond the day-to-day routine.” — Foulishia J., Account Management

“For my mental health, I attend a monthly book club with friends where we discuss a book that we have all read. And even if we haven’t read it, we still show up. We will sometimes take “field trips” to check out local bookstores or restaurants. We find that book club isn’t always about the book, but an opportunity to get together and catch up.” — Patricia A., Clinical Operations

Mental health is at the core of what we do at Uprise Health. In order for us to empower our clients, members, partners, etc. on their mental health journeys, we must also focus and care for our own mental health. None of us can do it alone. So, join us this month in continuing the conversation and raising awareness about the importance of mental health. Consider sharing what you do to take care of your mental health with a coworker, friend, or loved one. Or, if you think you may be experiencing a mental health condition, start by taking the wellness assessment in the Uprise Health app. Together we can turn awareness into action.