Physical wellbeing is a priority for many of us – it includes focusing on nutrition, working out, and having enough sleep. But what about our minds? Mental health places a balance throughout our everyday lives and how we take care of ourselves.
Mental Health: More Than an ‘Okay’ Feeling
Emotional disorders, social interactions, and psychological aspects – all three stem from mental health. It is about how we think and more importantly, how we behave. A flourishing mental health allows us to experience the following:
- Emotional Resilience: these are the skills learned that help in overcoming tough moments and dealing with life’s tribulations.
- Positive Relationships: Strong bonds with other people that give us love, togetherness, and care.
- Meaningful Purpose: A drive that serves as a motivation and a helpful guide towards achieving life goals.
- Effective Coping Mechanisms: the good ways to tackle stress, anxiety and negative energy. Reassuring oneself is one such valuable trait.
Sometimes Mental Health can be Cured:
It is pertinent to note that one does not have to be mentally ill to have mental health. Many people experience occasional ups and downs, while others have them more frequently as a way of life. Amongst the common health conditions that affects millions of people are:
- Anxiety Disorders: constant distress, panic attacks to even fear of small things.
- Depression: A mood disorder characterized by negative thoughts and one’s lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed and where sadness persists which often feels heavier than the rest of emotions at times.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition which may result after an individual goes through distressing memories through flashbacks and dreams and develops patterns of staying away from such memories.
- Bipolar Disorder: It ranges from mania on one end to depression on the other. It’s a condition that can lead to extreme mood swings.
- Eating Disorders: These conditions form due to poor eating habits and an individual’s perception of their body.
Seek Professional Assistance:
If you’re in pain, mentally validating yourself and seeking professional help is crucial. Trained professionals such as a therapist, a counselor, or a psychiatrist can help you with guidance and evidence backed treatment which will help you on your journey to healing. Remember, looking for assistance is bravery and not a negative.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health Daily:
Indeed, there is a lot a professional assistant can do, but there are other steps you can also consider to protect your mental wellbeing in day to day life;
1. Practice Self-Care:
Self-care is not a selfish act! Ensure that you incorporate activities that elevate your mind, body and spirit, as it is a necessity for you to flourish. Take time out for activities such as;
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Attaining mindfulness will allow you to stay in the moment, focus and give you a feeling of serenity.
- Regular Exercising: Physical activities or exercises helps the body release endorphins which can uplift one’s mood.
- Eat Healthy Diets: Eating healthy foods will enable you to concentrate and think properly and also provide energy for the body.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Sound Sleep is very crucial for the well and in fact the balance of our emotions and thinking works. Adequate Sleep also helps control emotional responses.
2. Connect with Others:
Mental health and social ties go hand in hand. Establish strong relationships with people who matter to you; can be friends, family, or loved ones.
- Build a Support System: Look for people who care about you and be in their company so that they listen to you.
- Join a Group or Club: Just look for any activity or event that will give you the opportunity to meet other people who share similar interests.
- Volunteer: Participating in your local community can be beneficial in terms of feeling important.
3. Engage in Activities You Enjoy:
Practice what makes you happy and that which you find fulfilling.
- Pursue Hobbies: Make use of your hobbies and interests on activities like painting, writing or listening to music, gardening, playing instruments etc.
- Spend Time in Nature: Earthen activities such as walks, hikes, and refreshing exercises that enable you feel nature’s wonders can help you connect to the natural world.
- Set Goals and Achieve Them: Setting goals and accomplishing them can improve your confidence and general feeling of accomplishment.
Self-care is the best form of care. There is a wide array of resources available, so please take the time to reach out to someone for help when you are in doubt. Don’t be surprised to find good and bad days, as these are normal. Along with everything else, it’s imperative to be self-forgiving throughout the process. It’s okay not to be okay. Mental health is an ongoing fight and a crucial reality too – it isn’t a trophy to be fought towards.
