Keeping it Together: What's going on with our 'stupid mental health'?
I was all smiles when checking our newsletter's inbox this week, because so many of your reached out and shared your "word of the year."
If you missed last weekend's newsletter, I shared my tradition of picking a word that aims to represent my theme and focus for the year.
This year my word is "wellness," and here are some of yours:
"Whenever my wife and I would catch each other’s glance unexpectedly, we would say, 'Forever!' She passed away with no warning last year. ‘Forever’ became my word for the remainder of 2021 and I’ve found that it’s my word for this year, too," writes Bob D’Errico of Valley Cottage, New York.
Ellen Lebowitz's word of the year is "pivot." "Pivoting allows the agility and flexibility that can come when one remains present, and then quickly, or optimally/eventually, with practice, spontaneously moves beyond mental disappointment and impatience with changes," writes the Delaware-based reader. "Many have acquired the skill because their lives have always required them to do so. And some are just recognizing the importance of this skill because of the pandemic."
"I chose 'happy' as my word," writes Mary Matey. "With all the sad things going on in the world, I haven’t laughed in a long time. And I want to laugh again."
Reader Peggy Bassrawi chose "inner peace" to represent "acceptance of who I am in this world!"
I'm delighted so many of you felt inspired to pick out a word of the year for yourself. I'm inspired by all of your words of the year, too. Thank you for sharing!
What's TikTok's 'stupid mental health' trend?
"Going on a stupid walk for my stupid mental health," writes TikTok user @ninalaevski on a video of herself comically trudging along in the snow backed by a peppy music track.
The video has amassed 8.4 millions views and nearly 900,000 likes with comments describing it as "too relatable" and "very accurate."
Videos following a similar format have blown up on the video sharing app with the hashtag #stupidwalkchallenge reaching more than 38.2 million views. In addition to walking videos, people have shared other activities they do for their "stupid mental health."
Jill Daino, a licensed therapist with Talkspace, says she understands the frustration.
"We're two years into this pandemic, two years of getting these recommendations about taking care of our mental health... And what I took from those TikToks was the absolute depletion and exhaustion... that people are experiencing at this point. It made a lot of sense to me."
Even if seemingly small self-care practices seem "stupid," Daino says it can make a positive impact on your mental health.
"I know what happens when people don't take care of their mental health and these small steps actually make a huge difference, even though it doesn't always feel that way in the moment," she says.
To read the full article, click here.
Today's reads
- Are you at risk for a heart attack during your workout?
- Is selfishness ruining your relationship? How to tell if you're being selfish.
- The Kim Kardashian and Kanye West divorce drama is so uncomfortable to watch. Here's why.
- Will I need a booster shot to travel in 2022? A latest look at COVID requirements.
- Attention pizza lovers: Pizza Hut is spicing up its lineup for a limited time with Spicy Lover's Pizzas
- Is COVID shame still a thing? Doctors say it shouldn't be.
Today's pet
Meet Minnie.
Randy Stavis sent us this adorable photo of his daughter's ShihTzu puppy, "nurse" Minnie.
"She has given support to many in need these days," he writes.
Thanks to everyone for reading! Remember you can send pet photos, coping tips and anything else to our email.
Wishing you all the best,
Sara Moniuszko