Read on Twitter
I've been meaning to do a thread on mental health and self care resources 
#mentalhealth #mentalHealthMonday
#mentalhealth #mentalHealthMonday
Sometimes interviewing is tough, sometimes there are setbacks, but one thing I find essential is to keep a hopeful outlook.
Last night I found myself in a not-good place. And sometimes this can have a snowball effect, with cynicism breeding more cynicism. Suddenly everything is a threat, and our reactions become defensive rather than curious. So with many interviews this week, gotta redirect to 
Here are some of the tech tools that help me monitor and regulate my mood. Disclaimer that these are not a substitute for Genuine Human Interaction™. First is http://Coach.me . I use it to track my sleep schedule and ensure I am getting eight hours a night.
Next is @HiWoebot. It's a free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy chatbot that can help me reflect and reframe problems. Chatting with a bot? Yeah, it's strange, but we've come a long way from ELIZA. Here's a @99piorg episode about WoeBot: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-eliza-effect/
Next is Daylio, an iOS mood tracking app. This lets me track my moods over long periods of time and look for patterns. Am I happier on weekends or weekdays? Do I have more struggles when I haven't slept well? https://daylio.net/
I am really grateful for @Headspace as well, and it's awesome they've shared free resources this year to those impacted by COVID-19. There are many meditation apps, as well as some free videos on YouTube. More and more experts see the benefit of mindfulness on our lives and work.
For my friends who sometimes feel very alone and struggle with the occasional crisis, I recommend booking this self-care guide in your browser tabs: https://philome.la/jace_harr/you-feel-like-shit-an-interactive-self-care-guide/play/index.html It's basically the kind, gentle nudges you wish your partner / close friend would tell you to get you level
So many times we feel overwhelmed and we just forgot to eat, didn't get enough sleep, missed a medication. Little reminders can help you pick yourself up until you can find a real human to talk to.
I've found a lot of happiness this year via the podcast https://www.happinesslab.fm/ and corresponding course "The Science of Well Being" which is free on @coursera . https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being
The internet has a good ability to connect people with similar interests from far away. I get a lot of strength from the @WomenWhoCode community, even from members all around the globe. Thank you 
This is the part where I'd like to readdress my disclaimer. Tech tools have limitations, and ultimately, we are social creatures that desire face to face interaction (well, mostly). We like nature and vitamin D and aren't built to interface through screens from separate boxes.
So if you can safely go outside, that helps. Look at some plants, admire what nature you can find even if you're in a metropolis. You'd be surprised how many 
live in parks in central Tokyo.
live in parks in central Tokyo.
And keep building your support network, getting Real Human Connection™ as much as is safely possible these days. Be creative. I've done picnics and virtual art museum tours. Don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.
Lastly, if you are in a crisis, there are people who want to help you. In Japan, the crisis hotline and chat service is here: https://telljp.com/ Please don't be afraid to take advantage of these services, because you matter, and they are confidential and judgement free.
Thanks for reading my mental health thread and feel free to RT if you found it useful, or share your own resources. がんばってください
Oh I almost forgot another tip! Notes to your future self! I find this really helps me check in with myself if I might be normalizing a situation where I am unhappy. Send a note to your future self 3 months down the road and see if things actually got better.
People with ACNH can actually send letters in-game to their future self. I did this before I quit my last job, sent myself a little note reminding myself that I am strong and would be okay.
This service https://www.futureme.org/ is really helpful. Send yourself an encouraging note after a tough deadline, or ask yourself if you feel like you're getting through that rough patch. And if not, what actions can you take to get back in control?
And because I just keep thinking of more of these, check out https://burnoutindex.org/ to get a read of your burnout levels.
