As we observe World Mental Health Day in October, share what you do to maintain your best mental health
STAY POSITIVE
Since I am an octogenarian, I have had years of experience to maintain good mental health.
As a family, we have always had family devotions. Now, as empty nesters, my husband and I start our day with devotions and personal prayers. This helps us begin each day with positive thoughts. I have always been a person who sees my glass as half full, rather than half empty.
I know this is a tech-driven world. While I do text, it does not take the place of hearing someone’s voice when you have days when you wonder if anything else can go wrong.
My church family means a lot to me and I know I will receive any positive support I need from them. I need to hear God’s word and the prayers from my fellow believers. This also keeps me from doing too much navel-gazing and makes me reach out to others more to help them.
I try to think more positively and surround myself with positive-thinking people. Keeping busy really helps. At this stage in my life, physical work is getting to be more of a challenge, but reading, doing puzzles of all kinds, reaching out to others and, if possible, keeping in touch with young children all help. Is it going to be easy? No. But remember, you are never alone in whatever you choose to do.
Marlene Schriefer
Roughrider Electric Cooperative
ENDLESS OPTIONS
Mental health has always been very important to me, so I have lots of methods for keeping my brain happy. I think it’s important to dedicate time to all parts of your body to have a healthy mind.
I exercise, take a relaxing bath or use a face mask to care for my body.
Creativity also helps! You can find me writing, drawing or painting to ease my mind. Writing is very helpful to thought-dump and sort through anything you might be facing. If I want to escape from reality, I’ll read a book. Bonus points for reading it outside!
Speaking of outside, just going outside is an instant serotonin boost! I like to go for walks, bike rides or just go enjoy nature.
The final thing I utilize to help my brain thrive is music. Music can be something I relate to, something to divert my attention, something to calm me or something to energize me. There is such a wide variety of music, so there is always a song for what I need. The coping mechanisms I’ve accumulated help to keep me in my best state of mind, and I’m forever grateful there are so many options to satisfy my brain.
Joanie McCormack, 13 years old
Capital Electric Cooperative
HAVE FAITH
History records the true words of a great man who was unjustly thrown into prison for many years. Yet, this man had found true mental health, true peace, contentment and real lasting joy. In fact, this man wrote many letters to encourage others, all while remaining in prison.
“For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” he wrote. How could he say this? And how can you and I find true mental health today?
This man’s contentment was not due to external circumstances. How does one find true peace in the midst of difficult circumstances? He shared the key to true mental health with his jailer. During his night in prison, a great earthquake shook the prison’s foundation, causing the prisoners’ cell doors to open. The jailer, thinking the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword to kill himself. But this famous prisoner “cried out with a loud voice, ‘Do thyself no harm; for we are all here.’” Immediately, the jailer “called for a light, and sprang in and came trembling.” Bringing the famous prisoner out of his cell, the jailer asked what is any person’s most important question: “What must I do to be saved?” The prisoner gave the answer to everyone’s pressing need for true contentment and peace.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” he said. Dear friend, the first step to true peace starts with our kneeling at the foot of the cross of Jesus.
Lovita Scrimshaw
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTION:
November: Tell us about a veteran who you admire.
Deadline for submission: Oct. 12
December: What’s the best homemade gift you’ve ever given or received?
Deadline for submission: Nov. 10
We want to hear FROM you: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number and the name of the rural electric cooperative to which you belong. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make editing changes and cuts. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727.
