Sophie Okolo, MPH

Mental health was once a taboo, basically until the 2010s when there was such a nasty stigma behind mental health. If you had mental health issues, you were seen as less than, and you shouldn’t tell anyone about it. There used to be this great shame. For the most part, this stigma is dying, and people are being drastically more open about their feelings and their mental health. But there’s still an issue, and it’s finding time. 

Now, people have to work longer and harder, and some even have to carry a second job, side hustle, or the weight of unpaid labor of taking care of their home and family. Now, everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but not everyone has the luxury of choosing what they want to do in those 24 hours—it’s important to understand that. But if you really want to bring your best self out, you need to put mental health first.

But how are you finding the time? Well, there is no quick fix; that’s the thing. There’s advice for this, but everyone has their own special situation for why they have next to no time to take care of themselves or their mental health. So, these are a few things you could try to prioritize your mental health while living in this busy world. 

Embrace Micro-Moments of Mindfulness

Who says mindfulness has to be an hour-long meditation session? In reality, even just a few minutes of mindfulness practice can make a world of difference in your mental well-being. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, practicing gratitude (like for a brief moment appreciating something small), or simply being present in the moment, looking for opportunities to incorporate micro-moments of mindfulness into your day—even amidst the chaos of a busy schedule.

Move Your Body, Even Briefly

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, both physically and mentally. But it can also boost your mood. A lot of folks just lack time to go to the gym; it’s entirely understandable; sometimes, time just feels like a luxury that too few even have. So, even if you have a couple of minutes to stretch or can do a small walk during your lunch break, just try to squeeze this in. 

It might not be much, but every little bit counts when it comes to taking care of your body and mind.

Try to Find Time to Seek Support

When it comes to getting professional mental healthcare, a major argument is that there can sometimes be a lack of time to see a professional. It’s true that it takes time to go to a mental health specialist like a therapist. You have the time it takes for transportation, the time to see the therapist and the time it takes to go back. That can be hours; sometimes, someone doesn’t have that long. Telehealth could be an option, but if you lack the funds for any professional care, then leaning on your support system (like a few quick texts here and there) could also help.