Written by Shreeja Potluri
4 minute read
Did you know that 1 in 4 people around the world will be affected by mental illness? In this new day and age, we often are so swamped that we forget about our own health. Many of us may take care of our physical health, but neglect our mental health.
Mental health is known as the emotional and psychological well being of a person. It affects how we think and how we make decisions in our life. Mental health is equally as important as your physical health. By neglecting your mental health, you are overlooking the emotional aspect of your life. It’s important because it is a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school, or caregiving. It plays an essential part in your relationships’ health and allows you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity.
Though everyone experiences very different symptoms when it comes to neglected mental health, some common ones are low or no energy, feeling hopeless, severe mood swings, etc. These symptoms can be minor to severe in some cases. There are many self-care strategies you can utilize to help recharge your mind and re-balance yourself—here are 10 different ways to do so:
1) Value Yourself
Treat yourself with kindness and respect who you are as a person. By treating yourself well, you are recognizing the fact that you are comfortable with yourself. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects.
Physical and mental health are the Yin and Yang of your body. We need both to be peaceful and in the right state of mind. Make sure you are drinking enough water and eating healthy nutritious meals. A night of good night sleep is also essential.
3) Surround Yourself With Good People
People with strong social connections tend to be healthier. Make plans with loved ones or join social activities and clubs to meet new people.
Generally, having a daily routine lets you get into the habit of many things. If you want to incorporate a new activity into your life, a routine helps you keep that streak and ensure that you are completing your daily tasks.
5) Learn How To Deal With Stress
Stress is something nobody can escape in life. We have to deal with it one way or another. Practice coping skills—try 1-minute stress strategies like journaling, going for a walk every day, or even yoga.
6) Quiet Your Mind
Meditating is one way of relaxing your mind. Relaxation exercises can improve your state of mind and your outlook on life.
Decide on what you want to achieve academically, professionally, or personally and write down the steps you need to reach that goal. Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over schedule. This way, when you reach your goal, you will feel a tremendous amount of accomplishment.
8) Break the Monotony Once In a While
Although our routines make us feel more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, changing the pace of life can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures, or try a new restaurant.
Though many people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate,” keep alcohol and drug use to the minimum as they aggregate the situation.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a strength. It is essential to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction. You are never alone.
Mental health is something that people often forget about; however, we need to remind ourselves that we are human and no one is perfect, but making sure we take care of ourselves through self-care is the key. With a healthy mind and body, we can effectively take on challenges that the world throws at us. What are some other self-care strategies that you like to use to recharge yourself? Comment below!
Optimal Living 