Follow this community to find ways to help manage your anxiety with fellow members, and explore routines created by expert partners in psychology and therapy. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Take each day one step at a time and remember to reach out for help when you need it!

Anxiety

Follow this community to find ways to help manage your anxiety with fellow members, and explore routines created by expert partners in psychology and therapy. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Take each day one step at a time and remember to reach out for help when you need it!

People with anxiety overestimate threats about daily life situations, such as, “What if I have a headache, could it be a brain tumor? What if I make a mistake at work, could I get fired? What if our kids don’t get good grades?” Life becomes a series of “What if” questions. This can also lead to distressing physical symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.

Breaking free from worry is difficult, often because of beliefs such as, “If I don’t worry, I won’t be prepared” or “If I don’t worry, something bad might really happen.” Yet, this doesn’t provide the certainty and reassurance you seek. Ongoing worry causes more anxiety and becomes a habit that is hard to break. This routine focuses on accepting uncertainties and breaking free from worry cycles, along with decreasing physical symptoms that arise due to anxiety. 

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Generalized Anxiety Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming worry and generalized anxiety symptoms, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

Did not stay in bed worrying

Set intentions for decreasing worry and coping with uncertainty

Meditate for 5+ min

Practice one calming activity today

Mindfully notice when I engage in worry thoughts

Practice accepting uncertainty instead of worrying or seeking reassurance

Write what I value more in my life than time spent worrying

Do an activity I value even if it feels uncomfortable not to worry

If necessary, use pre-planned “worry times” later in the day

Set a time for problem-solving any issues

Reward myself for taking steps towards breaking my worry cycle

Log and/or share my successes with others

Connect with someone I trust

Practice self-compassion for learning new ways to face my anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

When panic attacks strike unexpectedly, you may feel like you’re dying, going crazy, or unable to come to terms with how scared you feel. In these situations, your body’s natural fight-or-flight response is triggered out of context. If you interpret these sensations as frightening or dangerous, you may avoid situations that could trigger them again. But you should know these sensations aren’t dangerous; they’re natural reactions and helpful if you’re in real danger.

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on facing your panic sensations and learning that although they might be uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous and you can handle them. By incorporating mindful steps, you’ll become less afraid and more confident in your ability to cope. Learning to accept bodily sensations is your ticket to freedom from living in fear of them.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Panic Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming your fear of panic sensations, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

Out of bed at my regular wake-up time

Did not stay in bed worrying or focusing on physical sensations

Practice mindfulness (through an app or when eating, moving, or talking)

Take calm belly breaths for at least one minute

Take note when I have anxious thoughts about having panic attacks

Practice responding to fearful thoughts about panic sensations with acceptance

Reward and show myself compassion if I learn one new way to face my fears

Mindfully notice whenever I feel discomfort from a panic sensation

Do one activity that I enjoy, even if I might feel panic sensations

Chat with a supportive friend, family member, therapist, or support group

Practice one calming activity before bedtime

Panic Disorder

When panic attacks strike unexpectedly, you may feel like you’re dying, going crazy, or unable to come to terms with how scared you feel. In these situations, your body’s natural fight-or-flight response is triggered out of context. If you interpret these sensations as frightening or dangerous, you may avoid situations that could trigger them again. But you should know these sensations aren’t dangerous; they’re natural reactions and helpful if you’re in real danger.

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on facing your panic sensations (known as exposure therapy) and learning that although they might be uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous and you can handle them. By learning how to face discomfort, you’ll become less afraid and more confident in your ability to cope. This routine includes strategies to enhance and maintain your progress, such as breathing awareness, mindfulness, self-compassion, and clarifying your greater life values.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Panic Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming your fear of panic sensations, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

Take calm, slow belly breaths for at least one minute

Read, listen, or watch videos about panic attacks and treatment

Write or review what I value more than avoiding panic sensations

Engage in an activity I value even if I might feel panic sensations

Practice exposure to a situation that triggers panic sensations and accept possible discomfort

Reward myself for taking any positive steps towards accepting panic sensations

Practice self-compassion for learning new ways to face my fears

Advanced Panic Disorder

Social anxiety is an intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations. The core fear is being scrutinized and negatively judged by others, either in specific situations (like public speaking or dating) or across multiple situations. People with social anxiety either avoid or endure social situations with great anxiety. Anticipating social situations can also be exhausting. Anxiety or panic during these situations can feel excruciating, and post-event processing can be all-consuming. 

Treatment focuses on facing your fears. If your fears prevent you from living the life you want, facing them instead of avoiding them will give you the freedom you desire. This routine will help you learn to accept that it’s okay to be imperfect. You’ll learn that you can cope with possible judgment by others rather than dwell on mistakes or thoughts about what others may think about you.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Social Anxiety Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming your social anxiety fears, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com">nationalsocialanxietycenter.com</a> offers information and resources about social anxiety, and provides resources for finding therapists specializing in treating social anxiety.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.abct.org/">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

Did not stay in bed worrying about upcoming or past social situations

Review my daily intentions for facing social situations and coping with anxiety

Calmly notice when I have anxious thoughts about being evaluated

Practice acceptance to making mistakes or being judged by others

Write or review what I value more in my life than avoiding judgment

When anticipating a feared social event, accept uncertainty and shift my thoughts

Engage in an activity I value even if it may mean feeling embarrassed or judged

Pay attention at a social situation rather than evaluating myself 

If I have post-event anxiety, try not to over-analyze my performance

Reward myself for taking positive steps toward facing my fears

Social Anxiety Disorder

Worriers overestimate threats about daily life situations, such as, “If I have a headache, could it be a brain tumor? What if my husband’s plane crashes? If I make a mistake at work, what if I get fired?” Distressing physical symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension occur in the context of ongoing anxiety and worry. 

Yet, worry doesn’t provide the certainty and reassurance that people seek. It reinforces negative cycles of thinking and catastrophizing, which causes more anxiety. Treatment for generalized anxiety focuses on learning to accept uncertainty and break free from worry cycles in search of reassurance. These routines can help you get started.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Anxiety Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming worry and anxiety symptoms, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers resources about anxiety disorders (and depression) and resources for finding therapists.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers resources about anxiety disorders (and other problems) and resources for finding therapists.</li>

Practice one mindful exercise: calming breath, body relaxation, or meditation

Mindfully notice when I engage in worry and how it makes me feel

Write down what I value more in life than time spent worrying

Write down how I think worry helps or hurts me

With one worry, try accepting uncertainty and focus on a present activity

Alleviating Anxiety: Getting Started

Explore this community to find routines created by experts to help manage depression. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Take each day at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day! Remember to reach out for help when you need it: <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a>.

Depression

Explore this community to find routines created by experts to help manage depression. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Take each day at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day! Remember to reach out for help when you need it: SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP.

Sleep problems are a big contributing factor for staying stuck in depression. Poor sleep worsens your mood, increases pain and stress, and interferes with concentration and willpower. Taking these small steps to improve sleep quality is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to improve your mood and reverse the course of depression. 
Start by implementing small changes in your daily actions and bedtime environment. This routine will help you create incremental and consistent changes in your bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality and make you feel well rested and restored. Over time, these small changes will alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits to enhance your mood, reduce stress, and more.

It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li>

<li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Get some sunshine 

Walk or get some physical activity

Practice gratitude (write 3+ items)

Avoid taking a nap during the day

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening

Keep my bedroom for relaxing activities (e.g. avoid working in bed)

Avoid consuming alcohol at least 2 hours before bedtime

Dim the lights at least an hour before bedtime

Pause work activities at least 30 minutes before bedtime

Stop using screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime

Practice calming activities during the 30 minutes before bedtime

In bed by my regular bedtime

Sleep Improvement

Depression is, unfortunately, a very stable state, because your brain goes through certain repetitive motions and thoughts that keep you depressed. Doing small activities to help you feel better may seem too difficult. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can show your brain that changing your mood is possible and desirable.
 
Research shows that making small, incremental changes in your thoughts, actions, and environment actually can alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. This routine covers the key steps to start reversing the course of depression. You’ll gradually break unhelpful habits or behaviors that contribute to depression and start doing more helpful ones.

It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li>

<li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Get dressed

Take a shower

Brush my teeth

Leave the house

Get some sunshine

Treat myself with compassion

Practice slow breathing for at least 1 minute

Do a fun activity or something I’m good at

Accomplish at least one thing on my to-do list

Take one step towards an important goal of mine

Simple Steps

Everyone experiences a down day sometimes, but for some, these feelings persist. Countless numbers of people are affected by depression in their lives. Depression is complex, and it takes time to heal. But that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you--depression is a problem with the way the thinking, feeling, habit, and reward circuits in the brain are communicating with and regulating each other. 
 
Fortunately, there are small daily steps you can take to alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. These adjustments in your habits can offer a little more joy and meaning back into your life and can help you feel calmer, happier, and more connected to the people and things that are important to you. Start small, start simple, and you’ll feel positive improvements in your wellbeing.

It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li>

<li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Practice slow-breathing or mindfulness for at least 5 minutes

Do something creative, write, listen to music, or read

Accomplish at least one item on my to-do list

Take 30 minutes of my day to do a moderate intensity physical activity

Go outside and take a walk in nature

Advanced Steps

Depression is, unfortunately, a very stable state, because your brain tends to think and act in ways that keep you depressed. All the little things that might contribute to you feeling better just seem too difficult.

Fortunately, research shows that making specific small changes in your thoughts, actions, interactions, and environment actually change the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. This routine is designed to cover the key first steps to start reversing the course of depression. You don’t need to change everything all at once, just take one small step in the right direction.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through depression on your own. There’s a field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li>

<li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Go for a walk or get some physical activity

Get some sunlight

Do an activity I enjoy

Don’t blame myself for being depressed

Chat with a supportive friend, family member, or co-worker

Practice one self-care activity (i.e. read, journal, listen to music, cook)

First Steps to Reverse Depression

We looked at over 45,000 habits and these are the top five that our analysis showed improve well-being. Tap any individual habit below to quickly add it to one of your existing routines.

Review my daily intentions

Practice self-compassion

Engage in an activity I value

Remind myself to carry a relaxed state of mind today

Top 5 Most Effective Habits in the Depression Community

Welcome to the Suicide Prevention community on Most Days. This community has been created in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to help those who are suffering from thoughts of self harm or suicide and to support those who have been affected by suicide.

You can find AFSP created routines and other resources here. This is a space where we can support each other and be compassionate to ourselves.

If you are concerned about harming yourself, free and confidential support can be found 24/7 by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-273-8255">18002738255</a> or texting <a href="sms:+741741&body=TALK">TALK to 741741</a>.

Suicide Prevention

This routine was created in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There are times when we may notice our mental health is not optimal, and we may also have troubling thoughts or thoughts of suicide. 

We may feel stressed, feel impulsive, have sleep problems, find ourselves isolating from others, not looking forward to the future, or having feelings of hopelessness. 

While we may all have difficult days, it is important that we do not wait to get help, especially if you are feeling worse than usual or these feelings are persisting. This routine includes many of the daily habits that will be helpful to maintain your health and focus on self-care as opposed to self-harm.

If you are concerned about harming yourself, free and confidential support can be found 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-273-8255">18002738255</a> or texting <a style="font-weight:bold" href="sms:+741741&body=TALK">TALK to 741741</a>. 

You do not need to address concerns about mental health alone. While this routine provides useful steps, the most important step is to reach out to a mental health professional who can identify the best course of help. 

You can always receive immediate support by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-273-8255">18002738255</a>. 

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://afsp.org/find-a-mental-health-professional">AFSP | Find a mental health professional</a> - A listing of treatment providers and other information to help you locate a mental health professional who can assist you.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.mhanational.org/finding-help">Mental Health America | Finding Help</a> - Information on where to seek treatment and how to find a mental health provider that is best for you.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/">SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator</a> - Search information by zip code to locate treatment near you. Site run by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.</li>

About Author
Dr Doreen Marshall is a licensed psychologist who has been engaged in local and national suicide prevention and bereavement work for nearly 20 years. Dr. Marshall is currently the Vice President of Mission Engagement for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention <a href="www.afsp.org">www.afsp.org</a> and in this role she works with national partners to advance AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

I have the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) saved in my phone

I reminded myself that I can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) if I don’t feel safe

Make an appointment with a mental health professional (mark “Yes” if you already have one scheduled)

Make an appointment with your primary doctor to share concerns about mental health (mark “Yes” if you already have one scheduled)

If you are on medication, take it as prescribed

Connect directly with a supportive person (bonus if 15+ mins or in person)

Review mental health resources (many contained in the description of this routine)

Take steps towards making plans to do something you enjoy

Write down something you are looking forward to in the next month

Journal about how you are feeling

Make a goal (or two!) for the day that is easy to accomplish

Get at least 8 hours of sleep

15+ mins of physical activity (bonus if 30+ mins or outside)

Do one small task that helps you feel safe and comfortable in your environment (i.e. make your bed)

Thoughts of Self-harm or Suicide

This routine was created in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

A suicide attempt is a health crisis and this routine is for you if you’ve just experienced an attempt or other similarly significant health event and need time to recover and heal. This is a time to focus on actions to support your mental health and recovery alongside prioritizing your treatment and working with a mental health professional. 

Free and confidential support can always be found 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-273-8255">18002738255</a> or texting <a style="font-weight:bold" href="sms:+741741&body=TALK">TALK to 741741</a>.

It’s important to recognize that working with a mental health professional following a suicide attempt is a vital component of your recovery. You do not have to do this alone. 

While this routine provides useful steps for supporting healing after a suicide attempt, the most important step is working with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://afsp.org/after-an-attempt">AFSP | After an attempt</a> - This is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website which has information and resources following a suicide attempt</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/attempt-survivors/">Attempt Survivors</a> - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline page with information for attempt survivors on coping strategies</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://nowmattersnow.org/">Now Matters Now</a> - Video and other resources for those who have struggled with thoughts of suicide</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://afsp.org/story/my-lived-experience">AFSP Blog | My Lived Experience</a> - A moving account of healing after surviving an attempt complemented by resources for talking to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, as well as advice for how to reframe perspective as an attempt survivor</li>

About Author
Dr Doreen Marshall is a licensed psychologist who has been engaged in local and national suicide prevention and bereavement work for nearly 20 years. Dr. Marshall is currently the Vice President of Mission Engagement for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention <a href="www.afsp.org">www.afsp.org</a> and in this role she works with national partners to advance AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Review (or work on creating) your suicide safety plan or crisis response plan

Write down 3 reasons for living today

Remind yourself of times when you felt better (i.e. view pictures, talk to a friend)

Tell yourself out loud that it is possible to feel better again

Complete 2 or more hygiene habits (i.e. brushing teeth, washing face)

Write down what you want to discuss at your next therapy/treatment appointment, if you have not already done so

15+ mins of physical activity (bonus if 30+ mins)

Spend time outside (bonus if it includes direct sunlight)

Spend time caring for a living thing (i.e plant or pet)

Ask someone to help you or accompany you with something you have to do

Do something supportive for someone else (can be small)

Healing After Surviving a Suicide Attempt

This routine was created in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

When you are helping to support another person’s mental health, it can be hard to know what will be most helpful. Often, staying connected, listening and helping the person find and engage appropriate help are the most helpful actions you can take. 

Do not be afraid to ask the person directly if they are having thoughts of suicide. Also remember that it is important that you model taking care of your own mental health.

If you’re worried about someone’s safety related to imminent self-harm or suicide, please immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-273-8255">18002738255</a>. 

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to handle concerns about a friend or family member all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. 

While this routine provides many useful steps for addressing your concerns, for many people the most important step is involving a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://afsp.org/what-to-do-when-someone-is-at-risk ">AFSP | What to do when someone is at risk</a> - Information on how to help someone who may be at risk for suicide</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://afsp.org/story/advice-on-talking-to-someone-with-suicidal-thoughts-from-someone-who-s-had-suicid">AFSP Blog | Advice on Talking to Someone with Suicidal Thoughts from Someone Who’s Had Suicidal Thoughts</a> - Tips from someone with lived experience who reassures anyone worried about a loved one that there are ways they can reach out</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://mhanational.org/MentalHealthInfo">Mental Health America</a> - Website with information on various mental health conditions</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://psychhub.com/learning-hubs/mental-health-ally-hub/">Mental Health Ally Hub</a> - Psych Hub’s free video courses on how to be a mental health ally</li>

About Author
Dr Doreen Marshall is a licensed psychologist who has been engaged in local and national suicide prevention and bereavement work for nearly 20 years. Dr. Marshall is currently the Vice President of Mission Engagement for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention <a href="www.afsp.org">www.afsp.org</a> and in this role she works with national partners to advance AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Call or send a message to the person you are concerned about to check in or let them know you are thinking about them

Ask the person you’re concerned about how they’re feeling and listen to what they say without judgment

If you don’t already have something scheduled, make plans with the person you are concerned about

Tell your friend something you enjoy or admire about them

I have shared the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) with the person I’m concerned about

Share honestly about your own life with the person you’re concerned about and allow them to be helpful to you

Journal for 15 minutes (don’t be afraid to write honestly about your concerns, if helpful)

Read for 15 minutes to learn more about how to support mental health, both for yourself and those around you

If you have not already done so, schedule an appointment with a therapist for yourself to talk about your mental health

Supporting Others

Join in on the conversation with fellow members to share tips on how to maintain better sleep habits. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your sleep hygiene. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Sleep can boost our immune system, prevent weight gain, and improve our cognitive functioning. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

Sleep

Join in on the conversation with fellow members to share tips on how to maintain better sleep habits. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your sleep hygiene. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Sleep can boost our immune system, prevent weight gain, and improve our cognitive functioning. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

You may start obsessing about the consequences of poor sleep or dread going to bed because you anticipate another sleepless night of tossing and turning. While having these thoughts and emotions make sense, and are common to many people who experience sleep difficulties, critical or “distorted thoughts” about sleep often maintain and can worsen sleep difficulties. 

By engaging in distorted thinking about sleep, you inadvertently reinforce your anxiety about sleep, creating a vicious cycle. This routine is for you if you’d like to learn simple tools to change your thoughts about sleep, manage difficult emotions surrounding sleep, or increase your sleep time. You’ll learn to change your perspective, to change your sleep. 

While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming sleep difficulties, it is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. If you find yourself struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders, there are medical and mental health professionals who can help.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://sleepeducation.org">SleepEducation.org</a> is an online sleep education resource provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Access a host of resources from information about sleep health and wellness, sleep disorders, to treatment and therapy.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://www.sleepfoundation.org">SleepFoundation.org</a> is an online resource created by the National Sleep Foundation and offers a range of information about sleep topics, sleep disorders and solutions.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a>, <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.calm.com/">Calm</a>, and <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.headspace.com/">Headspace</a> are a few apps that provide free guided meditations and can help you soothe your thoughts before going to sleep</li>

Stick to my daytime plans

Spend 30+ min before bed relaxing (i.e. warm bath, soothing music)

Mindfully notice when I have critical thoughts and shift my thoughts

Mindfully observe and write down any difficult emotions I may have

Journal for 15+ min before bed

Avoid looking at the clock while in bed

If unable to sleep, get out of bed and distract with a soothing activity

Practice self-compassion and tell myself I’m doing my best

Change Your Thoughts

Unfortunately, sleep difficulties often lead to “conditioned arousal.” In other words, when we struggle to sleep over time, we eventually associate our beds and bedrooms with an inability to sleep. We may respond by altering our behavior to force sleep, such as napping during the day, cancelling activities for fear of them interfering with sleep, or spending excessive time in bed. Unfortunately, the more “sleep effort” we put in, the more our sleep difficulties are prolonged or even worsened. 

In order to increase sleep, we must stop conditioned arousal and reassociate our bed and bedroom with sleep. This routine will help you learn simple behavioral steps to increase your sleep time or enhance your quality of sleep.

While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming sleep difficulties, it is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. If you find yourself struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders, there are medical and mental health professionals who can help.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://sleepeducation.org">SleepEducation.org</a> is an online sleep education resource provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Access a host of resources from information about sleep health and wellness, sleep disorders, to treatment and therapy.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://www.sleepfoundation.org">SleepFoundation.org</a> is an online resource created by the National Sleep Foundation and offers a range of information about sleep topics, sleep disorders and solutions.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a>, <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.calm.com/">Calm</a>, and <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.headspace.com/">Headspace</a> are a few apps that provide free guided meditations and can help you soothe your thoughts before going to sleep</li>

Out of bed at my regular wake-up time, regardless of sleep quantity

Avoid napping during the day

Avoid exercising or looking at screens before bed

Create a comfortable bedroom environment (i.e. pillows, candles)

Use my bed only for sleep and sex

If I’m unable to sleep, get out of bed and return when sleepy

Go to bed only when I’m feeling sleepy

Research shows that poor sleep has immediate negative effects. Poor sleep has been associated with weight gain, increased risk of disease and mood deregulation. Moreover, when we are physically exhausted, we may find ourselves unable to cope well with life’s stressors. In contrast, restful sleep has been associated with positive health effects. Sleep can boost our immune system, help prevent weight gain, enhance our mood and improve our cognitive functioning.

Studies show that many people regularly get poor sleep, and both sleep quality and sleep quantity has declined over the recent decades. Fortunately, there are evidence-based steps you can take to start increasing your sleep. This routine covers those initial, small, steps to help you develop a better sleep pattern.

It is important to recognize that you don’t need to overcome sleep difficulties on your own. If you are experiencing sleep difficulties, there’s a field of mental health professionals who can help. For many people the most important step is getting into therapy.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://Sleepeducation.org">SleepEducation.org</a> is an online sleep education resource provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://Sleepfoundation.org">SleepFoundation.org</a> is an online resource by the National Sleep Foundation and offers information about sleep topics, sleep disorders, and solutions.</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a>, <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.calm.com/">Calm</a>, and <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.headspace.com/">Headspace</a> are a few apps that provide free guided meditations and can help you soothe your thoughts before sleep.</li>

Avoid eating a large meal 3+ hours before bedtime

Avoid blue light or screen exposure 2+ hours before bed

Take a melatonin supplement before bed (consult provider first)

Avoid alcohol before bedtime

Set my bedroom temperature to a comfortable level

Engage in a relaxing activity before bedtime (i.e. warm bath, meditating)

First Steps to Increase Sleep

Dr. Andrew Huberman’s laboratory at Stanford University School of Medicine focuses on neuroscience and how the brain works. One of his research aims is to help everyone achieve a really great sleep every night, wake up feeling rested, and attack the day without losing energy or attention. In his podcasts, he discusses with experts the biology of sleep and the effects of sunlight, hormones, exercise, and various supplements on sleep quality. Not getting enough sleep can have an influence on your morning productivity as well as your ability to focus throughout the day. Dr. Huberman's teachings on how to get better sleep are brought to life in this routine, which includes techniques to help you fall asleep, sleep better, and wake up feeling more rested.

While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming sleep difficulties, it is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. If you find yourself struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders, there are medical and mental health professionals who can help.

Resources:

<li>Listen to Dr. Huberman’s <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://hubermanlab.com/category/podcast-episodes/">podcast episodes</a> discussing topics such as sleep, stress, depression, and addiction</li>

<li>Subscribe to Dr. Huberman’s <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://hubermanlab.com/neural-network/">The Neural Network Newsletter</a> to get the latest in neuroscience, health, and science-related tools</li>

<li>Learn more about Dr. Huberman’s research at the <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://hubermanlab.stanford.edu/">Huberman Lab at Stanford Medicine</a></li>

About Author
This is a Most Days generated routine. We took inspiration from Dr. Andrew Huberman’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hubermanlab/status/1428823974184636429">tweet</a> on sleep, and we are excited to share a routine that emphasizes the habits to improve sleep. 

Dr. Andrew Huberman is a Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His research focuses on neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and different states in the brain such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. Dr. Huberman has published original research and review articles in top-tier journals for more than 20 years, including Nature, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. Learn more at <a href="https://hubermanlab.com/about/">https://hubermanlab.com/about/</a>

Get sunlight within 30 min of waking for 10-30 min

Stop caffeine intake after 2 pm

Avoid alcohol 

Keep my bedroom cool

Take magnesium threonate, theanine, and/or apigenin before bed *Check with your doctor* 

Avoid bright light between 10 pm - 4 am

Getting the Right Sleep

Join in on the conversation with fellow members and encourage each other's wellness. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your overall health. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Our physical well-being is linked to our emotional health, and our overall well-being. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

Wellness

Join in on the conversation with fellow members and encourage each other's wellness. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your overall health. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Our physical well-being is linked to our emotional health, and our overall well-being. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

So much of the messaging we receive in our 21st century society tells us to disregard our own well-being in order to work more, produce more, and earn more. As a result, we feel disconnected from our emotional selves, and we feel overworked and exhausted. Knowing this, it’s important to take a holistic approach to our wellness in order to reconnect with our natural rhythms and emotional processes.

Rather than focusing on one specific problem that’s causing you distress right now, you’ll be exploring ways to more closely align your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors towards the values that are important to you in your life. Congratulations on choosing to be proactive about your health rather than waiting if a problem arises. Through this routine, you’ll learn ways to tune yourself up to feel your best, emotionally and physically.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to improve your well-being all on your own. Knowing when to ask for help is a skill in itself! There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help and who specialize in this exact issue. While this routine provides many useful steps for well-being, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy. Just contacting a mental health professional as the first step can feel good for many because they feel more in control.

Resources:

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas">Random Acts of Kindness</a> provides you with resources and ideas to cultivate and enjoy kindness</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations">Body Scan Meditation and Loving Kindness Meditation</a>: Sit with pleasant sensations in your body and savor wanted emotions in your mind in this meditation</li>

<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.volunteermatch.org/">VolunteerMatch</a>: Find an opportunity to connect with what’s important to you because leading a well-rounded life contributes to general well-being</li>