Mental health encompasses your emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It is an integral component of your overall health that affects your individual and collective ability to make informed decisions, build healthy and long-lasting relationships, cope with the stresses of life, learn, and contribute to your community. Your physical health is also greatly influenced by your mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, it should never be neglected.
In the modern age, an alarming number of people have been facing the issue of deteriorating mental health. It may be due to many different reasons, such as loneliness, childhood trauma, prolonged stress, and much more. The COVID-19 social distancing practices have also significantly contributed to people’s disturbed mental state. However, it is crucial to watch out for your mental health to have a healthy life experience.
Here are some ways you can take care of your mental health:
1. Be aware of your mental health.
The first step towards sound mental and emotional well-being is simply being aware of your mental state and treating it accordingly. Keep a constant check on your mental well-being by paying attention to the signs that indicate deteriorating mental health. For example, feeling anxious and stressed too often, difficulty sleeping, random emotional outbursts, feeling worthless, etc., are some of the most common warning signs that indicate that your mental health is not good.
Furthermore, you can educate yourself on mental health and mental health disorders by pursuing a career in the relevant field. For example, you can consider doing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online to develop a deep understanding of contemporary psychology. By doing so, you will be able to better understand the importance of mental health and not only take care of your mental well-being but also help other people improve theirs.
2. Assess how you are feeling.
Checking in on your mental health starts with the observation and assessment of your feelings. It is essential to frequently ask yourself questions about your mental well-being. The next step is to accept your answer and address it the right way. Accepting your feelings and emotions as they are is the key step toward finding solutions to your psychological problems. You cannot get rid of a problem unless you accept the existence and severity of it.
The best way to track your mental health is to use a scale of 1-10 and rate your mental health every day based on how you are feeling. If you notice that the number is constantly dropping, it is an alarming sign. If not addressed on time, poor mental health can also negatively impact your physical health. For example, depression has been linked to the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. Therefore, watch out for these signs and do not ignore them.
3. Take care of your basic needs.
The easiest way to keep your mental health in place is to make sure that you are providing yourself with all the basic needs of life, which include good food and nutrition, adequate sleep, and sufficient physical activity. These are some of the simplest ways that will do wonders for your mental as well as physical health. A healthy mind lies in a healthy body. These two go hand-in-hand. You cannot ignore one and expect the other to improve. If you start taking care of your physical health, you will notice how rapidly your mental health will start getting better.
First of all, eat healthy and nutritious foods and stay away from unhealthy and junk food. You can also eat more feel-good foods. Secondly, get an adequate amount of sleep, i.e., 7-9 hours every day. Also, add sufficient physical activity to your daily routine to feel better. Exercising stimulates the production of endorphins in your body, which are your brain’s feel-good transmitters. Yoga can provide both exercise and psychological benefits.
4. Talk to someone you trust.
Most people who struggle with anxiety or depression do not share their worries with anyone and decide to isolate themselves. They think that isolation and loneliness will make them feel better. Self-sabotaging and isolating yourself when you are already going through a hard time will only worsen your mental state. Understandably, you cannot let everyone in on your personal problems. However, you should talk about how you are feeling to someone you fully trust. It can be a family member, a close friend, or a colleague.
Talking to someone you trust can relieve your anxiety. Your trusted person may also help you get out of a situation by giving you valuable advice. Instead of being on your own all the time, it is better to seek help when needed.
If your mental health is not improving, consider going for professional therapy. You can find a therapist to see in person, or do online therapy, such as the telehealth services of Path Mental Health, in which you are matched with a suitable online mental health therapist for your individual needs. You can then connect with a therapist via live video from any place you feel comfortable. Online therapy can be a great option if you have a busy schedule or you live in a rural area.
5. Incorporate joy and fun into your life.
Following the same boring routine every day can be a major reason for feeling exhausted and demotivated. Your life should not revolve only around work and responsibilities. If you have recently been experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, you deserve to take frequent breaks to make yourself feel relaxed. You can also plan a mini getaway to a spa and come back when you feel recharged. If you can’t afford or don’t have time to travel, buying yourself self-care gifts can let you create a spa experience right at home.
Poor mental health will also substantially affect your professional life. Therefore, remember to add joy to your life. Use affirmation cards every morning to remind yourself that you are strong and worthy of love. Listen to music that boosts your mood. Try writing or journaling to process your feelings.
Add new fun hobbies to your daily routine, such as watching a funny show on television, painting, hanging out with friends or family, spending time with children or pets, etc. Participating in fun activities frequently will positively influence your mental health and make you feel less anxious.
Conclusion
Mental health is a significant part of your general well-being and health. To be physically healthy, your mental health should also be at its best. It is crucial to constantly keep an eye out for your mental and emotional health. As soon as you notice signs of mental illness, do not let them go unaddressed. You can improve your mental health by following this guide!
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I'm Alice and I live with a dizzying assortment of invisible disabilities, including ADHD and fibromyalgia. I write to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental and chronic illnesses of all kinds.
