Ever wonder how to take care of your mental health as a Christian single guy or gal? I’m not about to give you a 10-step routine to add to your ever-growing to-do list (you already have “be a functioning human” on there), but what I do want to chat about is mental health. Yeah, I said it—mental health. The thing we all know is crucial but sometimes feel too busy, too awkward, or too tired to take care of.
So, buckle up and grab your favorite comfort drink (no judgment if it’s coffee at 11 p.m.) because we’re diving into the wonderful (and slightly chaotic) world of taking care of your mental health. I promise to keep it light, fun, and hopefully helpful. Let’s do this.
Step 1: Pray About It—But Also Talk About It
As a Christian, one of the first things we’re often told is to “pray about it,” and let me tell you, that is some A+ advice. Prayer is legit. It helps us connect with God, gain perspective, and find peace. But let’s also remember that God gave us community for a reason. There’s no shame in talking to someone—a friend, a counselor, your mom (unless she is the problem, then maybe a friend)—about what’s on your mind. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it’s a sign that you’re smart enough to know when you need it. Jesus had His disciples, and if He didn’t go it alone, neither should you.
Also, a quick PSA: Therapy isn’t just for people in movies who dramatically stare out of rain-streaked windows. It’s for everyone, even if your biggest issue right now is trying to figure out why your brain suddenly wants to rewatch the same TikTok 50 times.
Step 2: Create Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
Boundaries are like the walls of a castle, and honey, you are the queen or king of said castle. It’s crucial to protect your peace, even if it means saying no to that event you feel obligated to attend. Just because your friend’s sister’s cousin invited you doesn’t mean you have to go (I promise the world will keep turning). It’s okay to say no, and guess what? No is a complete sentence. You don’t need to explain yourself, and you don’t owe anyone a lengthy justification.
Being a single Gen Z-er, you probably feel the pull of social media, group chats, and the FOMO that comes with every Saturday night. But just because everyone is out doesn’t mean you need to be. Guard your energy. Your mental health will thank you later.
Step 3: Get Moving (Even if It’s Just a Lap Around Your Living Room)
I know, I know—exercise. It sounds like a punishment, but I’m not telling you to go out and run a marathon (unless that’s your thing, in which case, I respect you but also can’t relate). I’m talking about small, manageable bursts of movement. Stretch, dance in your kitchen, take a walk, or even do that one ridiculous TikTok challenge everyone’s talking about. Moving your body releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy (thank you, Elle Woods). You don’t have to be a gym rat, but your body and brain need a little bit of physical love to stay balanced.
Step 4: Disconnect to Reconnect
Raise your hand if your daily screen time report makes you want to throw your phone into the nearest body of water. Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing: while our phones and social media can be awesome tools (hello, memes that make us laugh for 10 minutes straight), they can also be major stressors. Scrolling through curated feeds of people’s “perfect” lives can mess with our heads. So every now and then, take a social media detox. Unplug for an hour, a day, or even a week if you’re feeling particularly brave. Use that time to reconnect with yourself, with God, and with the real world—where people aren’t using 15 filters before posting their breakfast smoothie.
Step 5: Feed Your Mind (And Your Soul)
Just like you wouldn’t feed your body junk 24/7 (unless you want to feel like a human potato), you also shouldn’t feed your mind garbage. Yes, that Netflix binge can be fun, but make sure you’re balancing it out with things that fill your soul. Read a book, dive into a devotional, or even listen to a podcast that makes you feel uplifted and encouraged. Your mental diet is just as important as your physical one.
Oh, and don’t forget to spend time with God. It doesn’t have to be a two-hour Bible study session (though props to you if that’s your jam); it could just be a quick prayer in the morning or reading a verse that speaks to where you are right now. Feed your spirit so it can feed you back when life gets tough.
Step 6: Laugh It Off (No, Seriously)
Sometimes, life just throws the weirdest stuff at us. Like when you accidentally text your crush something super embarrassing (been there), or when your dog decides that your homework looks like a chew toy. In those moments, you have two options: cry or laugh. I say go with the laughter. Find the humor in the small things because it’s amazing how a good chuckle can shift your perspective. Laughter is one of the best medicines, and unlike actual medicine, it’s free.
And listen, not everything is funny—there are serious struggles too, and that’s okay. But try to find moments of lightness whenever possible. Watch your favorite comedy show, laugh with friends, or, if all else fails, look up “cats wearing hats” on YouTube.
Step 7: Give Yourself Some Grace
Finally, give yourself a break. We’re not perfect. I know, shocking. But it’s true. You’re not going to get everything right 100% of the time, and guess what? That’s okay. Mental health is not a one-and-done deal. It’s something you’ll need to work on, grow in, and sometimes struggle with. That’s part of being human. So, when you have a bad day, when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, or when you accidentally eat a whole pizza by yourself (again, no judgment), give yourself some grace. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
So there you have it—seven ways to take care of your mental health. It’s not rocket science, but it is something that requires effort, intention, and sometimes, a little bit of humor. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. Whether you’re praying, chatting with friends, or just having a good laugh, there are so many ways to nurture your mind and soul. Keep going, keep growing, and don’t forget to breathe. You got this.
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