May is
National Mental Health Month. As Spring gets into full swing we often begin many outdoor activities
and are running from one place to the next. One important piece of mental
health is self-care. Within the therapy world we often say, “You
cannot pour from an empty cup.”
We need to take time to refill and recharge. Coping skills are often overlooked,
though they are a simple way to recharged and get back on track. Coping
skills take many forms, such as:
- going on a leisurely walk
- enjoying a hobby
- taking an exercise class
- going outside to go fishing or hiking (or anything else)
- coloring a picture
- reading a book
- taking a nap
My personal favorite coping skill when I struggle to calm myself from life’s
stresses is mindfulness.
For those who don't know:
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where
we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed
by what’s going on around us.
One mindfulness resource I use is the
Free Mindfulness Project, which can be accessed at
http://www.freemindfulness.org/download. This site offers a variety of options to take some time and focus on
your breathing, or scan what is happening in your body.
Lexie Honey, LCSW, works at the Campbell County Medical Group
Kid Clinic, a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care for Campbell County,
Wyoming. The clinic serves children ages 2 weeks to 18 years old; and
counseling services for children 4 years old to 21 years old. It is located
at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church
in Gillette, Wyoming. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5
pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic.
The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and
Campbell County School District.