By: Maria Burns

Growing up, we hear how important a healthy diet is and the benefits of being physically active. Eat your vegetables, they say. Go for a run and avoid fast food we read in countless health articles. However, we rarely hear how we must maintain our mental and emotional health, and if we do, how often are we told how to do it? Maintaining our mental health allows us to develop relationships, cope with stress, learn about ourselves, and so much more.

Here at Krucial, we understand how difficult it is to be in the medical field right now. We reached out to some Reservists and asked how they keep their mental health strong and steady. Many stated that a self-care or spa day helped them feel balanced again. In contrast, others said journaling was a fantastic way to confront their emotions head-on. These examples are great ways to help one’s mental health, but there are plenty of other viable options to be aware of as well.

1. Enjoy the sunshine! Taking a 10-to-15-minute walk outside and soaking up Vitamin D can improve one’s mood and connect to nature.

2. Connect with loved ones, friends, co-workers, etc. Take the time each week to call, video chat, or even write to people you have not reached out to in a while. It will be refreshing to reconnect with the people who mean the most to you.

3. Get a good night’s rest. Allow yourself the correct amount of time to relax and recharge. A full eight hours of sleep can help productivity, decrease depression, maximize exercise benefits, increase your immune function, and more, according to an article from healthline.com.

4. Do something you love/enjoy. Find time to remind yourself how you are more than just your stress or anxiety. You are a more than capable human being with exceptional talent. Show yourself that, and others will notice.

5. Take a break from screens (television and cell phone). Give yourself and your eyes a break from the constant blue light of a computer screen and cell phone project. Taking a break gives you time to stop and enjoy the moments happening around you that you may be missing.

6. Eat your favorite healthy meal. Taking care of your physical well-being plays a vital role in your mental health. You must make sure you are fueling your body and mind with nutrients.

7. Talk to someone. It can be beneficial to talk to a licensed therapist. Krucial has a fantastic partnership with the 10-33 Foundation. 10-33 is a free service to those currently deployed or deployed in the past and our Krucial Onsite Representatives and Korporate employees.

According to its website, “The idea for the 10-33 Foundation began in October 2011 with a request for help regarding a struggling first responder. With that, the seed for a vision was planted. In November 2011, a few former and active first responders got together and began the task of building the 10-33 Foundation.”

Krucial Rapid Response connected with the 10-33 foundation in April 2020. Krucial quickly realized the Krew members in New York could benefit from a robust mental health and well-being foundation. As our mission states, Krucial’s job is to ensure those working for us are getting the help they need during their great time of need.

We hope this is a reminder that taking care of yourself and your mental health should be a top priority. We all struggle some days and talking with an unbiased third party could set us on the right path. 

“Promise me you’ll always remember — you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
– Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8