Fern and Fog

When life feels like a roller coaster and I’m just holding on for dear life, here’s my personal mental health survival guide. Spoiler: It’s a little chaotic, a little funny, but definitely works for me. If you need some survival tips (and a laugh or two), keep reading:

1. Rule #1: Energy Drinks Count as Self-Care Sometimes you need a little extra kick, and if it’s going to get me through the day, I’ll call it “self-care.” You know the drill—small sips, big results. Don’t judge me.
2. Rule #2: Trying to Meditate While the Cat Screams Counts as Meditation You can hear the chaos in the background, but I’m still there, breathing, focusing (sort of). It’s not ideal, but it’s progress. Plus, I feel like I deserve a gold star for not running away from the noise.
3. Rule #3: Cleaning Is a Stress-Reliever If I Can Actually Find the Cleaning Supplies I swear, the vacuum cleaner and I have a relationship. I push it around, we both get some space, but when I can’t find the mop (again), it’s like we’re in a never-ending game of hide-and-seek.
4. Rule #4: Sometimes, My Biggest Achievement Is Not Losing My Keys I used to think productivity meant a million things on my to-do list. Now? If I find my keys in the morning, it’s a victory. Small wins, big rewards.
5. Rule #5: Taking a Walk Counts as Exercise, Even if It’s Just to the Coffee Machine Every step counts. My coffee addiction is basically part of my fitness routine now. It’s a balance, really.

So, that’s my survival guide. It’s messy, it’s real, but somehow, it keeps me going. You’ve got your own version of this, right? Let me know what your real survival tips are—I’m always looking to add new “rules” to my list.