Most of us know that eating well and moving more can benefit our bodies, but you should know that you can also take steps to protect and improve your mental health. It’s not always possible to prevent psychological illnesses, but it’s beneficial to reduce risks. These simple tips can help you nourish your mental well-being.
How to Protect And Improve Your Mental Health
Identify Triggers
Conditions and issues that affect our mental health are common. Many of us are prone to bouts of stress and anxiety, and 1 in 5 US adults are diagnosed with a mental health disorder in any given year. Try to identify triggers, which make you feel stressed, anxious, or low, and avoid them where possible. Perhaps checking your phone and reading work emails prevents you from sleeping, or scrolling through social media makes you feel anxious or worthless.
Cut out actions, repeated behaviors, and activities that have a negative impact and try to be proactive by finding solutions. Speak to your boss about your workload if you feel like you’ve got too much on your plate. Or, set detox periods when you don’t use your phone. Simple strategies can have a dramatic impact on your well-being.
Be Honest About How You Feel
Many people brush symptoms of mental health disorders under the rug, and we try to deny that anything is wrong. It is natural to experience emotions, reactions, and responses to different situations and scenarios. But, you must distinguish between a bad day or a bout of anxiety caused by a test or an interview and a prolonged period of feeling helpless, on edge, nervous, worried, or low.
If your symptoms have gotten worse, you’ve experienced long periods of feeling anxious or depressed, or you’re struggling to feel calm or switch off, be honest about how you feel and accept that you might need help. Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a doctor for back pain, headaches, or a broken leg, but we’re reluctant to talk about mental health. Reaching out can make a hugely positive difference. There is help and support available.
Seek advice
If you struggle with your mental health, it is beneficial to see your doctor or visit a therapist or counselor. There are treatments and self-help techniques that could help alleviate or control symptoms. Reach out if your symptoms get worse or you find it tough to cope in the aftermath of trauma or difficult life events. Treatment options like rapid resolution therapy are designed to help those dealing with the effects of traumatic events.
It’s also advisable to understand and recognize the benefits of talking, even if you don’t have a mental health disorder. Everyone can benefit from speaking about how we feel and having a shoulder to cry. It also helps to have a friend or relative to offer advice or reassurance.
Devote more time and effort to your happiness
Many people rush around, trying to balance work with looking after other people. We don’t always have time to do things or see the people that make us happy. Try to manage your schedule so that you can socialize with friends, colleagues, and family members. Plus, you should make time to indulge your hobbies and enjoy time out to relax and recharge.
Protect And Improve Your Mental Health
These tips can help you protect and improve your mental health. Do you have any other ideas? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂
