11 Essential Tips For Keeping Sane

The following is a rough philosophy for avoiding madness, inspired largely by my favorite psychologist. Yes, she's in the Navy; however, we don't hold the rivalry against each other too much.

Seriously though, her tireless efforts with her nonprofit and educating Vets of all recent eras are commendable to say the least. Doc V will forever hold a special place in my heart, as do the unrivaled volunteers and mentors.

Before I forget- I'm not a doctor and I don't want anything in this post to be taken as gospel. Now that that's out the way; in no particular order and without further ado:

1.) Regular exercise- Work up a sweat everyday for about 10-20min each. Plenty of folk sweat in the shower or workout for hours; though...

On the serious tip, this may be challenging for most of us given "Stay At Home" orders and the closing of gyms. However, we simply must "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome."

2.) "One on one" therapy- Ideally with a friend you can trust who doesn't have the worst communication skills. If ya can't do talk therapy with a personal confidant or confidante, you may have to settle for a licensed professional and/or one of the new apps that are designed for times like these.

3.) Spiritual discipline- Either pray or meditate for at least 20 min a day. "If you're too busy for that, then you need to do it for at least an hour a day"- Dr. Sukhraj Dhillon.

I won't get too much into the weeds with this one; though, I firmly believe that too many people give their problems to weed instead of God. Also, Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword.

4.) Shower from Heaven- Start with the water almost as hot as your body can stand it while you wash up. Then, gradually turn it about as cold as you can stand it while you rinse off.

Rumor has it that this does wonders for the immune system.

5.) Cold showers- For a month straight. I forget what this challenge is called and the philosophy behind it; though the backstory ought not be terribly arduous of a task to discover.

6.) Regular bathing in general- Showers are faster and more efficient; but essential oils can be added to a bath to enhance relaxation. Also, if you're mature enough, you can add candles, a nice book, and/or a glass of wine to the mix.

All in all, you do NOT want to go more than two days without some type of personal hygiene (besides oral care)!

7.) Play everyday- For at least about 30-45 min, if you can; and preferably chess (The Thinking Man's [And Woman's] Game). There's plenty of books, apps, and the like that can help bring the majority of the nonplaying individuals up to speed in record time.

8.) Self-expression and reflection- Similar to talk therapy; though more of a solo act, so to speak. Keep a journal (or blog), and read what you wrote from time to time.

9.) Create something- Be it visual art, music, or a healing potion with essential oils (don't just create it; but use it).

10.) Listen to positive music- Rumor has it that the universal language known as music has the power to heal the soul. However, listening to sad and/or violent music will likely have the opposite effect.

Some inspirational music like Oddisee, J. Cole, and/or Curtis Mayfield is ideal. Also, gospel music (old school and new school) can be invaluable.

11.) Nutrition- Needs to be adequate and proper. There's far too many overweight and malnourished individuals in America.

Fun fact: Family meals prepared together in love can be an X Factor in the development of adolescents and such.

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While no single item from the list may be Revolutionary in and of itself...

Tl;dr- Don't take your health or wealth for granted. Either "could be gone in the blink of an eye."

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Edit: 25FEB2022; 2012, FRI

I somehow completely neglected to even allude to the vitality of adequate rest. So, below is an extremely brief poem that I made for a new bud while shamelessly plugging this blog post for him.

S/o to the Big Homie for initiating the convo and being a muse of sorts. Either which way:

"Regardless, make sure your rest is rejuvenating; regular; & revered. Please pardon the alliteration; tho, I'm a poet."

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Edit: 6MAR2022; 1850, SUN

Just remembered that it's rumored not even SF (Special Forces), aka Green Beret trainees are allowed to be restricted to less than four hours of rest per 24 hour period. Also, if you didn't know that sleep deprivation is an alleged torture technique of the infamous CIA (Central Intelligence Agency); then I might could have a bridge to sell you.

Lastly, if you were wholly unaware of the SME (Subject Matter Experts)'s comparisons of extreme sleep deprivation to alcohol inebriation/intoxication/drunkenness; then I have some land right on the water, in Texas that you'll most def wanna look at for purchase. No worries: It's nowhere near the oil spill of 2010 that BP (British Petroleum) has allegedly yet to clean up.

Trust me. "I'm from the gov't, and I'm here to help..."

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