65% of Dallas County residents cite “stigma” or “embarrassment” as the primary barrier to getting help for mental health challenges. Learn about Stigma.
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men playing basketball

Exercise:

Remember:

The most important aspect of exercise is finding something you like enough to do repeatedly for 15 minutes 3-4 times a week. You don’t need to join some complicated gym or pay for an app, so long as you can do something repeatable that you enjoy.

Benefits:

  • natural release of chemicals in your body
  • improved mood
  • released tension
  • removal of negative thoughts
  • less feelings of loneliness

Get Started With:

Cardio
Get your heart pumping w/ running, walking, or jumping rope

Strength Training
Lifting weights or kettlebells

Sports
Be active and competitive

woman doing yoga in open air

Meditation:

Remember:

Focusing and clearing your mind can give you a sense of calm and balance. It’s exercise for the mind.

Benefits:

Find a quiet, safe space to be alone with your thoughts for 10 minutes or so.

Be in tune with your breathing and try to relax and clear your mind.

Tip:

Start your day on a positive, lower-stress note by meditating in the morning.

Pick a mantra to repeat something positive and unique to you daily.

organic food & fruits

Nutrition:

Remember:

If you have budgetary concerns that limit you to primarily fast food, contact Dallas County for potential assistance options, such as the Food Pantry Assistance Program. Proteins (chicken, fish, meat, nuts) as well as some healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds) are good. For more, look at our Obesity Prevention Program.

Looking to Eat Healthy?

  • Try minimizing fast food and fried food.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Stay full with protein chicken, fish, meat, and more.
  • Introduce healthy fats such as those in avocado, nuts, and seeds.

Food Shopping:

When shopping, strive to minimize food from the center aisles and eat more from the outer rings of a grocery store — fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.

2 men talking to each other - finding help

Coping Strategies:

Remember:

Where should you begin to cope with the challenges of life and feel more balanced?

If you are struggling to prioritize yourself, we can help you find help or provide you with helpful resources.

We Get It:

Above all else, your health is the most important aspect of your life and should be prioritized above everything else. It is never selfish to put yourself first — this is your life, and you only get one body, mind, and soul.