This is a Reminder to Check in on Yourself

First, let’s define mental health briefly. Mental health is a state of wellness which refers more to the health of your mind and brain. Just like we take care of our physical health, we should also take care of our mental health. It is to our brain what physical health is to the rest of our body. Mental and physical health are not the same thing, however, they can be supported by similar strategies.

Like many people, I worry about my friends. I encourage them to make themselves top priority when they’re not feeling their best. When a good friend needs help, I put them high on my priority list and try to be there to support them as soon as possible. However, when I am struggling or not feeling well, I find it hard to prioritize my own well-being until my problems become so overwhelming, they force themselves to the top of the list. To take care of myself, I need to treat myself as I would a really good friend.

As cliche or obvious as that sounds, reframing my own needs as taking care of myself like I would take care of a friend has helped me prioritize my well-being more often. I realize how hypocritical I was being for not taking better care of myself, but at the same time insisting my friends should stop scrolling through TikTok four hours before their 8:00 a.m. class.

I encourage you to reach out and check in on your friends, but I also ask that you check in on yourself. Be kind to yourself and others.