Sometimes therapy is about deep diving, processing, and unearthing some really big painful stuff. Other times it's about making small changes in our day to day lives that culminate to increase wellness and mitigate vulnerability over time. SEEDS is a wonderful example of the latter. SEEDS is a skill to make sure your basic needs are being met is and is a great first step to increase resilience and stability and a useful long-term "maintenance" strategy.
So what are SEEDS? Sleep - Make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep (but also not oversleeping)! Sleep deprivation can quickly exacerbate any and all mental health symptoms and oversleeping can worsen depression symptoms. Parents, I know this is easier said than done, but even taking small steps to improve the quality of whatever sleep your kids allow you can go along way (e.g., Not scrolling on your phone right before bed, limiting alcohol use, etc). Eat a balanced diet - This is not about "dieting," this is about making sure your body is fueled! It can be helpful to think about adding things in rather than restricting. You want to make sure you're getting plenty of protein, healthy fats, and fruits and veggies so that your brain can function optimally and so that you have the energy to do what you need to do. Exercise - This is about moving your body. Yes this can be Peloton or Pilates but it doesn't have to be! It can be walking around the block a couple times a day, it can be having a dance party with your kids, it can be standing up and shaking it out every once in a while if you're at a desk all day, etc.
Doctors Orders- This means doing the things you need to do to take care of your specific health needs. (It does not actually need to come from the mouth of a doctor). This means taking any medication as prescribed, allowing yourself to rest when you are sick, and staying on top of your general medical health.
Self-Care/Spirituality/Social Support/Sobriety - This is a wildcard based on your specific needs and goals! Reconnect with your values and make sure you living the life that you know helps you thrive. Connection is key - Connection to your community, your people, your purpose, yourself, your higher power, or whatever you value most in your life. Focusing on these key areas can help you be prepared to conquer whatever comes your way. Whether is day to day stressors, deeply rooted trauma, anxious thoughts, depressive waves, etc. If you need help with planning out what this means to you and help with accountability, therapy is an excellent resource. Let's connect and talk about how we can plant some SEEDS in your life.
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