To Support Your Mental Health and Routine
Here are 5 Tips to begin supporting your wellbeing when feeling stressed or overwhelmed with every day life and responsibilities.
1. Rest When Needed
Slowly get back into your regular sleep schedule if it is impacting your daily routine. It is normal for sleep patterns to be disrupted during heavy daylight times and going into the darkest season as well. Practice getting sunlight whenever possible, or if theres too much sun, try putting up dark curtain to keep it dark and cozy.
Put screens away before bed. This may help you get the rest you need by going to sleep earlier than if you had been doom-scrolling on sell-swap.
Buffer Day: If possible, take an extra day off after events or big life changes to settle in before diving back into work. This could be after a vacation, after long camping and hunting trips, or even after spring festivities in your community.
2. Remember: One small task done is a big accomplishment
Make a short and simple to-do list. Focus only on a few priorities at a time. This allows you to rest after if you want, or may give you an idea for the next list.
Ease-in and please try not to jump into a full schedule. Start with an easy schedule and add to it once you’re familiar. Sometimes, your energy can start low when there are plenty of things to do all at once. Adding responsibilities later gets easier if you give yourself time to catch up with one thing at a time.
Celebrate each win. If you had finally got that soya sauce stain off your clothes from when you ate country food with your family last week, thats a win!
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Hydrate & Nourish: Drink water and focus on eating healthy, like with country food.
Whether its stir fried-caribou and rice, or freshly caught fish, all country food tastes best when sharing with your loved ones. Eating well is one tip, try enjoying it with others to feel really good.
4. Wind-down with easy activities
Try to include relaxing activities near the end of your day to reset. Like working on a pair of mitts, or sewing small garments. Maybe its rearranging a deck of cards or putting together a puzzle. For some, it could be drinking tea, books, baths or meditation to stay present.
Please keep in mind that winding down looks different for everyone. As long as you can reach a level of comfort where your mind and body can begin to rest, keep doing what works for you.
5. Practice Self-Care and Gratitude
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed can take a lot from your mind and body. Rather than fighting these feelings, try to accept them and practice taking care of yourself.
It is normal to want to do as much as you can, but putting yourself first can recharge your battery and help you focus on the small, positive moments in your every day life.
Sometimes, following tips and searching for support may not work the first time around. Remember, this is your first time living and it takes a lot of practice. Please dont be hard on yourself and give yourself a moment of gratitude for your strong efforts.
If you would like to see coping strategies, please see the Coping Strategies booklet created by the participants of the NSPS United for Life Summit 2022 in our Resources.
More Resources
Affirmation Cards
To support Nunavummiut who have experienced prior sexual trauma. The cards provide words of encouragement and serve as a reminder of strength and resilience.
My Healing Journal
Inside this journal, you will find activities that can help you feel better. You can choose to do these activities by yourself or with a trusted grown-up. You do not have to complete every activity. Just pick the ones that you like.
Understanding Grief & Loss
Grieving is the normal and necessary journey we embark on after something we have valued no longer exists. If you would like to learn a little more about grief, we encourage you to go through the handout.
Ikpigusungniq
A graphic novel for preteens, and for families to support a grieving child or youth
Navigating Grief, a Guided Journal for Teens
For Nunavummiut youth who have survived the passing of another person. This journal is a guide to help process grief and begin your own healing journey of resiliency.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Inspired by the 2022 United for Life Summit in Cambridge Bay, where Nunavut youth shared and brainstormed a list of healthy coping strategies. Take a moment to read through them, along with colouring pages and other activities.