Find Your Happy Place: Making Time for Yourself

What makes you happy? Maybe it’s being with friends and family, working on a creative project or hobby, or spending time in the outdoors. Regardless of what you love to do, making time for your personal interests is essential for your mental health. If you’re feeling stressed, you won’t be able to think as clearly — and some studies show that your immune system is weakened by stress.

Through your texts, we have gotten some ideas of how to make time for yourself. Some of you mentioned favorite hobbies, such as photography and reading. Others said that they were spending time with a significant other. If you have another tip for relaxing and recharging, feel free to text us.

Today, try to spend a few minutes making time for yourself and your mental health. Read a book; go for a walk in the park; meet up with a friend. Or just stay at home and unwind. It will pay off!

Wherever, whenever: Adding physical activity to your daily routine

You don’t need to go to the gym to get a good workout — in fact, there are many ways to incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Via text message, we’ve asked you how you have been getting the 3 hours of vigorous exercise recommended for prostate health. We’ve gotten a variety of responses and wanted to share some tips from your fellow study participants.

In your text messages, some of you suggested walking while doing housework and other activities, and climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator. These are great ideas! To squeeze physical activity into your day, try to walk as much as possible. If you take public transportation to work, get off a stop early and walk a few blocks. Park your car in the back of the lot — you’ll get some exercise and you’ll be able to find a spot more easily.

It might take some effort at first, but exercise can become a regular part of your day. 

We encourage you to text us and tell us how you’re doing — and keep up these good habits!