Spiritual Tools for Mental & Emotional Health

There’s no question that these are trying times when it comes to our mental and emotional health, and many are struggling with feelings of downheartedness, depression, stress, and anxiety. 

It helps to tap into our spiritual tools to help support us mentally and emotionally. Our faith offers us a multitude of options. Ones that I have found particularly helpful for supporting my mental and emotional health include:

• Spiritual direction: While not a replacement for therapy, having someone to walk with you on the journey and talk to through the difficulties of this time, and how to pray through those challenges can be very supportive.
• Daily prayer routine: Having a daily prayer routine can help you manage stress and anxiety, and offer up your day to God.
• Meditation: Quiet time to reflect on God’s words, or self-guided prayer meditations through online apps such as Hallow and Pray as You Go.
• Scriptural affirmations: The Lord is always affirming His love and care for us; make a list of Scriptures to go back to when you need to hear those words.
• Journaling: Writing our thoughts, feelings, and intentions to God helps us sort through and express them in a safe place.
• Mass: Being nourished by the Eucharist gives us strength for the journey through our afflictions.
• Eucharistic Adoration: Resting in the peace of Jesus’ presence can provide a peace that nothing else can.
• Song: Hymns and even contemporary songs of our time can help express how we’re feeling and give us comfort, solace, hope, and uplifting words.
• Rosary: Meditating on the mysteries of the Lord, especially the sorrowful ones, helps us unite our suffering and trials with Jesus’ and reminds us that we aren’t alone.
• Gratefulness: Each day, recalling at least 3 things you are grateful for and thanking God for those can remind you of the goodness of God and how He cares for you.
• Recalling God’s faithfulness: Recall times of God’s faithfulness in your life. How has He carried you through difficulties in the past?
• Deep breathing: Breathing in the breath of God can remind you of God’s presence with you.
• Confession: It’s a healing sacrament, and sometimes our mental and emotional health struggles can stem from sin in our lives.
• Catholic companions: Talking to Catholic companions, if just virtually, helps us find connection and support.
• Connecting to your calling: Maintaining a sense of purpose and reminding yourself of your call and special mission can help you avoid feelings of despair.
• Charity: Doing small acts of charity and kindness help move us out of our heads and towards others, and remind us of others’ needs.
• Care for the body: Glorify God in your body, Scripture says! Exercise, good nutrition, proper sleep, and caring for your body’s needs helps keep it emotionally well too.

All of these have served me well mentally and emotionally right now. What more would you add to this list to support others through this time?