Mental health is something that has come to public awareness more than ever before. Mental health, just like physical health, contributes to the well-being of a person and is equally important. It can be seen through how someone acts, feels and thinks. We need to take mental health seriously and learn to nurture it the right way.
We need to start looking at how mental health can be maintained and accept that it is really a thing. Here are some ways that you can start to make this an important priority in your life. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can help.
Daily Journaling
Write down your thoughts, good and bad. Start analyzing what is negative. Writing down what you think and feel can help you find positive solutions. Write your to do list, write your feelings, write what you are grateful for. The goal is to replace any negative thoughts into a positive thought and affirmation. As a Christian, I like to use the Bible to help me think positively and productively. If you deal with anxiety and depression this step can be really helpful.
Eliminating Negative Sources
Your environment can hugely impact how you feel, think and act. It’s important to be in a healthy environment at home, at work, and wherever you must be. If you have extremely unhealthy relationships, it can affect your mental health and well-being. It’s important to decipher what negative things are coming from others and what is coming from you. If you are in a bad work environment, take the necessary steps to find a place that you are valued and safe. Find people that value and love you.
Focus on Self-Care
Take time to take care of yourself. Do some things that you love to do. If you like to play music, do that. If you like reading a book, read some books. Take care of your body, your mind and spirit. Have a mentor that can guide and help you go through the process. Find out what part of your health is physiological. You might need to get moving, and do some physical exercise. Maybe you have insomnia or anxiety caused by an imbalance in your hormones. Find out what healthy foods you need to eat, or maybe what medicines you need to take to assist that. There is no shame in this.
Help Others
One of the best ways to better your mental health, is to help other people. You don’t have to overwork yourself, just do something small. It can be helping your family, or being there for your friend. It could involve becoming a part of your church or volunteering at a shelter. This will assist in seeing that you are not the only person in the world and it will foster gratefulness. We are meant to be around people.
Forget Expectations
You are running your own race. It’s important not to compare yourself to others in a way that is unhealthy. Everybody expects something from you, but you need to make sure you take care of yourself first. There is always going to be someone prettier, smarter or better than you in something. There is also always going to be someone that is less pretty, smart or better than you in something. This is why comparison doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t help. Your goal should be to become a better version of yourself. You have something unique to offer this world.
I’m aware that this list doesn’t cover the depth and complexity of mental health, but I know this is a start to help people figuring it out. This has definitely helped me. One of the key things to have in your life is a support group. People that understand and support your journey to mental health. Don’t be afraid to step out in faith and become the best version of yourself.