The terms “mental health,” “stress,” and “anxiety” are frequently used today, highlighting a growing awareness of these challenges. While these words might feel overused, they reflect the reality that many individuals are grappling with genuine mental health concerns and are now more openly discussing them. It’s likely that most of us have encountered stress in some form, whether it’s a minor inconvenience like losing a phone or a significant event such as the loss of a loved one. Stress and anxiety can arise from various sources and manifest differently from person to person. John Gardner, a member of the skate community, has provided some valuable insights on managing these moments, drawn from his personal experiences and his passion for mental well-being.
John, while not a medical professional, has dedicated himself to self-improvement and is keen on enhancing mental health, both for himself and the community. His tips are closely related to “This Too Shall Pass,” a short documentary he created with DC Shoes, and “Deep Rest,” a zine designed for Mental Health Awareness Day. These resources and discussions play a small but vital role in addressing the concerning issue of self-harm and suicide within the skate community.
John Gardner’s Insights on Managing Stress
Here are six practical tips from John on navigating moments of stress and anxiety:
1. Pause and Reflect: The initial step in managing a challenging emotion is to stop, take a breath, and try to identify what you’re feeling. Understanding the root cause of your feelings is often the most difficult part. Each emotion holds a message and is present for a reason. This moment of self-reflection is crucial for beginning to process what’s happening.
2. Acknowledge the Temporariness of Feelings: When we’re happy, we often wish the feeling would last forever, and conversely, when we’re sad, we want the feeling to vanish instantly. However, both joy and sorrow are transient. Recognizing that all emotions, both positive and negative, are temporary, can bring about a sense of calm and perspective. This understanding can be a powerful tool for navigating difficult moments.
3. Focus on Your Breathing: Your breathing patterns significantly influence how you feel, and conversely, how you feel affects your breathing. A simple technique of two inhalations followed by a long exhalation can swiftly bring your body into a state of relaxation. Mindful breathing is a powerful, accessible technique to help manage stress and regain control.
4. Zoom Out and Practice Empathy: It’s essential to remember that everyone is dealing with personal battles, often unseen. Therefore, practicing kindness and offering help whenever possible is paramount. Acknowledging the unseen struggles of others can foster empathy and a sense of connection with the world around you.
5. Treat Yourself with Kindness: John asks a thought-provoking question: “If I spoke to my friends the way I speak to myself sometimes, how long would I have that friend for?” This highlights the importance of self-compassion. Being gentle and understanding with yourself is crucial, especially during challenging moments. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
6. Strengthen Your Mind: Just as physical strength requires regular training, so does mental strength. Whether through breathing exercises, meditation, or any other suitable practice, engaging in regular mental workouts is essential for emotional resilience. A strong mind is better equipped to handle the “heavy weights” of intense emotions.
John Gardner, a skater, in action, symbolizing his dedication to mental well-being
By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can develop better tools for managing stress and anxiety and ultimately contribute to a healthier community. These are simple yet effective methods to improve your well-being and to face the challenges that life presents.
The short documentary “This Too Shall Pass,” and the zine “Deep Rest,” further illustrate John Gardner’s journey and these concepts in a very real, and accessible way.
This information is filmed and edited by Ian Michna & Rob Fraebel. Share this with your friends on Facebook, or repost it as free information on Instagram and Twitter.
