With as hectic as my life can be with work, blogging, challenges, and trying to have a social life, my mental health is important. I need to take care of it or I’m going to crash and burn, so to speak. And I have found the perfect way to do just that. I go driving!
Why Driving
Some of you are probably wondering why I go driving for my mental health. Quite simply put, it’s a great way for me to unwind and clear my mind. I have a few different loops that I like to drive and they all take varying amounts of time to do so. No destination, just driving. Nothing but me, some good music, usually a drink and maybe some snacks, and the open road. During this time I can either pray about whatever is on my heart, sing along with my playlists, or imagine new story lines for my books. Sometimes I work on different ones for the one I’m working on. For me, it is super relaxing. If I have been having a rough week, or day, this is my therapy and it works for me.
Road Trip Hopes
If driving is relaxing you know I would love to do a road trip. I’d love to do one down to the states and just road trip around the country. I’ve driven in the states once, and because they go by miles per hour, it feels like I get to go so much faster. It’s kind of awesome. The last trip I took was to Alberta, to see my family. I was dating at the time and my boyfriend and I took turns driving. It was lovely, but for most of the drive the scenery left much to be desired. That’s what happens when driving through the prairies. I think the scenery through the states could be more interesting. Who knows.
Driving is Not All
So, with gas prices being all over the place, driving is not all I do to keep my mental health. Sometimes I read, or watch a favourite show or movie. When I get to see my friends I feel my mental health improves as well. And, of course, writing helps me. It is a way for me to get my thoughts out and process through an outside source, rather than internalising. For me, that is one of the worst things that I can do. If that’s one of your mental healthcare options, I’m impressed. Exercise can help as well, but it’s harder for me to convince myself to do that some days. When I’m feeling depressed or down, going driving will win out over exercise every time.
What Do You Do
What about you? How do you take care of your mental health? Have you found healthy ways to do this, or do you need some healthy ways? Which of my mental health strategies would you like to try? Does driving bring you peace or anxiety? I would love to hear from you. Let’s take care of our mental health this summer and not let it suffer. If you are feeling down, or anxious, talk to someone if you’re able. Maybe the idea of talking to someone freaks you out. How about writing a letter or email that you’ll never send? Maybe a drive or a walk to clear your head. Sometimes just putting on some music and dancing around your room or your house helps. Give yourself a reason to smile today and then give someone else a reason to smile. Anything can happen if we take care of our mental health!
