How to Support Your Mental Health Between Therapy Sessions
Therapy is a wonderful way to explore your inner world, process your feelings, and inspire transformation. But what my clients often tell me is that a day or so after our session, they begin to feel a little lost and anxious again.
It's important to support the progress you've made with your therapist in between your sessions. Here is what I advise my clients to do in between our sessions:
Keep Your A-ha Moments in Mind
Therapy is a space for profound A-ha moments. It's s important to hold onto those in the days after your session. Consider what was uncovered and see if any other information exists. It's a great idea to have a dedicated notebook to jot down anything that may come to you. Bring this to your next session to share additional insights with your therapist.
Practice Self-care
Self-care is the practice of taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. This can include taking a bubble bath, treating yourself to a massage, or simply taking a few minutes each day to do something you enjoy.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged at the moment. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or by using a mindfulness app.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a natural mood booster that can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, whether going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or hitting the gym.
Journal
I have been an advocate for journaling for quite some time, so I was thrilled when research suggested that journaling can improve mental and physical benefits. Journaling can help you organize your thoughts, feelings and goals between therapy sessions. Journaling has been linked to reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, journaling can help people develop a greater sense of self-awareness and improve their problem-solving skills.
If you did just these things, you would find your time in between sessions would be more enjoyable and help to facilitate further positive change. Remember, these tips are meant to supplement therapy, not replace it. If you're struggling with mental health and want to explore treatment, don't hesitate to contact me!