Time and Mental Health

Nota Bene: Save your time for those entrusted to your care.

Recently I had the good fortune of hearing “I am having trouble finding a pulse Doctor”. Truly time is the rarest of all human commodities. It is vital to mental health and a sense of well-being to use time wisely.

Relationships whether it be a partner, family member, or friend, “if you can’t love the one you want honey, love the one you’re with” (Stephen Stills 1971). Preferably from a distance, preferably geographic.

Spend time lavishly on people who build you up. Take care to avoid spending time on people who chronically tear you down. Similarly, avoid spending time tearing others down. In the end this habit in time turns on the self.

Spend time on things that add to your mental health. Work hard at something, have a laugh, read a book, write a poem, draw a picture, wax your car, play more golf, watch the waves breaking on the beach, rock a baby, walk a dog, walk yourself, “do or do not, there is no try” (Yoda 1980). Your mental health and sense of well-being depend on finding what to do. It is different for everybody.

Avoid spending time doing things that are a threat to your mental health and well-being. While comfortable in some ways they will destroy you and your mental health and sense of well-being. Do not spend time in toxic relationships, avoid mourning too long over a death, illness, infirmity or what could have been. There is only now and maybe, just maybe tomorrow. Don’t waste time drinking too much or eating things you know are bad for you. Don’t waste time using illegal drugs or medications in other ways than prescribed by a doctor. Sadly, often folks imagine they do not deserve better or cannot do better.

No matter how young and invincible you feel, you are not. Do not waste time thinking you have time to change. Again, you are worthy and can do better. One day it will be “parties over, out of time”(Prince 1999).