Let's be real for a minute. Between work stress, social media pressure, family drama, and trying to maintain relationships (especially when your person is miles away), life can feel pretty overwhelming sometimes. If you've been putting your mental health on the back burner while juggling everything else, this one's for you.
With National Suicide Prevention Day reminding us how important it is to check in on ourselves and each other, let's talk about some real ways to prioritize your mental wellbeing – without adding more stress to your already packed schedule.
Why Your Mental Health Actually Affects Everything Else
Here's the thing: your mental health isn't separate from the rest of your life. When you're feeling good mentally, everything else flows better. Your relationships are stronger, you handle stress like a boss, and you actually enjoy the things you love doing.
On the flip side, when your mental health is struggling, even small things can feel impossible. That text from your long-distance boyfriend seems passive-aggressive, your friend's success makes you feel worse about yourself, and suddenly you're doom-scrolling at 2 AM wondering why everything feels so hard.
Sound familiar? You're definitely not alone in this.
The Connection Between Love and Mental Wellness
If you're in a relationship – especially a long-distance one – you already know how much your mental state affects your connection with your partner. But here's what might surprise you: healthy relationships can actually be one of your strongest tools for maintaining good mental health.
The good news about LDRs and mental health:
- You've already mastered communication skills that most couples struggle with
- You know how to be independent while staying connected (that's actually a superpower)
- You appreciate quality time more than most people
- You've learned to trust and build emotional intimacy in unique ways
But let's keep it real: Long-distance can also mess with your head sometimes. The overthinking, the loneliness, the wondering what they're doing right now – it's all normal, but it can definitely impact your mental health if you don't have good coping strategies.
Simple Mental Health Hacks That Actually Work
Start Your Morning Right (No, Not With Your Phone)
Instead of immediately checking Instagram or your texts, try this: take three deep breaths and think of one thing you're genuinely excited about today. It could be your evening FaceTime call, your favorite coffee, or even just wearing that cute outfit you picked out. This tiny shift can change your entire day's energy.
Use Your Phone for Good
Since you're probably going to be on your phone anyway (no judgment!), make it work for your mental health:
- Set random reminders to check in with yourself: "How am I feeling right now?"
- Send your person (or your best friend) random appreciation texts
- Follow accounts that actually make you feel good about yourself
- Use apps that help you track your mood or practice mindfulness
Create Little Rituals That Ground You
This doesn't have to be some elaborate self-care routine (though if that's your thing, go for it!). Maybe it's:
- Making your bed every morning because it makes you feel accomplished
- Having a specific playlist for when you need to shift your mood
- Doing a quick skincare routine while your partner does theirs over video call
- Taking a hot shower and pretending you're washing off all the day's stress
When Distance Makes Everything Harder
Let's talk about the elephant in the room – being in love with someone you can't physically be with every day is emotionally exhausting sometimes. Here are some real ways to protect your mental health in an LDR:
Stop the Overthinking Spiral: When your mind starts creating stories about what their delayed text means, pause and ask yourself: "Is this thought helping me or hurting me?" Usually, it's hurting. Instead, try reaching out directly: "Hey, I'm feeling a bit anxious today, can we chat for a few minutes?"
Build Your Own Life: Your relationship is important, but it can't be your only source of happiness. Keep investing in friendships, hobbies, career goals, and personal growth. When you have a full life, you bring more to your relationship too.
Use Technology Intentionally: Instead of being glued to your phone waiting for messages, set specific times to connect. Maybe you always text good morning, have lunch together over video, and do a proper catch-up call in the evening. Having structure helps reduce that constant wondering and waiting.
Using a Bond Touch bracelet can also be a great way of stepping out of your phone but still keeping your connection alive.
Red Flags to Watch For (In Yourself)
Sometimes we get so busy taking care of everyone else that we miss our own warning signs. Pay attention if you notice:
- Feeling exhausted even after sleeping
- Losing interest in things you usually love
- Getting really irritated by small things
- Feeling disconnected from friends and family
- Having trouble making simple decisions
- Constantly feeling overwhelmed
If several of these sound like you, it might be time to get some extra support. And before you say "I don't have time for therapy" – many therapists offer online sessions, and there are apps and resources specifically designed for people with busy schedules that are better than doing nothing at all.
Building Your Personal Mental Health Toolkit
Think of this like creating a playlist, but for your emotions. Here's what to include:
For When You Need Immediate Relief:
- A friend you can text or send a touch that means "SOS, need to vent for 5 minutes"
- A go-to YouTube video that always makes you laugh or relax
- A breathing exercise (4-7-8 breathing actually works)
- Your comfort show on Netflix
For Long-Term Mental Wellness:
- Regular check-ins with yourself (even just weekly)
- Some form of movement that you actually enjoy
- A consistent sleep schedule (your phone's bedtime feature is your friend)
- Activities that make you feel accomplished and proud
The Ripple Effect of Taking Care of Yourself
Here's something cool: when you prioritize your mental health, everyone around you benefits. You become:
- A better partner who can communicate their needs clearly
- A more supportive friend who has emotional energy to give
- Someone who can handle conflict and stress more effectively
- A person who models healthy behavior for others
Plus, taking care of your mental health makes you more attractive – and we're not talking about physical appearance. Confidence, emotional stability, and the ability to enjoy life are incredibly magnetic qualities.
Your Mental Health is Worth Investing In
Look, we live in a world that constantly tells women to put everyone else first. Your job, your family, your relationship, your friends – everyone gets your best energy while you survive on whatever's left over. But what if we flipped that script?
What if taking care of your mental health became as non-negotiable as charging your phone? What if you treated therapy appointments like you treat meetings – something you just don't cancel? What if you defended your alone time as fiercely as you defend your relationship?
Your mental health affects literally everything else in your life. The way you show up in your relationships, your performance at work, your ability to enjoy the good moments, your resilience during tough times – it all starts with how you're doing mentally and emotionally.
Making It Real
Starting tomorrow, pick one small thing from this post and try it for a week. Maybe it's setting a phone reminder to check in with yourself, maybe it's texting your long-distance partner a random appreciation message, or maybe it's finally booking that therapy appointment you've been putting off.
You don't have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Small, consistent changes create the biggest impact over time. And remember – asking for help isn't a sign that you're failing. It's a sign that you're smart enough to know when you need support.
Your mental health matters. Your feelings are valid. And you deserve to feel good, not just survive each day.
Need to talk to someone right now? Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line, or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
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👇 About The Other Half 👇
Thanks for reading this! FYI, The Other Half is brought to you by Bond Touch: the brand that has been helping build healthier and happier relationships through emotional wearables since 2017. Connecting over 1 million people globally so far and counting!
If you’re looking for a new way to connect with a very special someone, check out Bond Touch: a bracelet that lets you communicate through touch across any distance. Say it with a touch, stay in touch.
