
Prioritizing your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health – and it might be easier than you think. Making small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact on your mental health and overall well-being.
Dr. Erik Bayona of Kaiser Permanente Chase Gardens in Eugene offers some simple, yet effective, ways to boost your mental health:
- Go outside. Nature has a calming effect. Even if it’s for just a few minutes, going outside and connecting with nature can reduce stress, clear your mind, and help improve your sleep.
- Get sleep. Our bodies and minds need time to rest, recharge, and repair. Sleep provides that vital time. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Start moving. Whether it’s gardening, chair stretches, or dancing in your kitchen, regular movement improves your physical health and exercises your mind.
- Stay connected. Join a club, volunteer, or call a friend. Interacting with others helps us feel supported and connected.
- Manage screen time. Too much screen time can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Consider making simple changes, like turning off notifications, being selective with your news feed or scheduling tech free time each day.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental or emotional issues, it’s important to get connected to the support you need. These resources can make it easier to find the help that’s best for you.
Welcoming New Patients
At Kaiser Permanente, our doctors and health plan are all part of one connected team. We coordinate your care, so you don’t have to – allowing you to focus on the most important thing, your health.
We are continuing to grow in Lane County, with three new providers joining the Kaiser Permanente Chase Gardens team in 2024, who are now accepting new patients. Plus, our complete on-site support team means lab, imaging, and pharmacy services are all available under one roof. For added convenience, members can also visit any Peace Health primary care location and over 700 affiliated specialty care providers in Lane County.