4 Powerful Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Aug 21, 2023
iCrowdMarketing powered by iCrowdNewswire
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of mental health, many people are still unsure about how to improve their own mental well-being. But do you want to know the truth? Sometimes all it takes is some smart and consistent habits to see a little growth.
Why Your Mental Health Matters
Mental health often takes a backseat to physical health. In many cases, people are much more likely to be worried about their physical appearance than what’s happening between their ears. But the reality is that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And, ironically enough, the two are intertwined in some pretty intimate ways.
According to the CDC, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”
The CDC reports that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, while 20 percent of youth (ages 13 to 18) either currently have or at some point in their lives will have a seriously debilitating mental illness.
Poor mental health can impact physical health, relationships, careers, financial status, and everything in between. And while there are often factors outside of our control, there are plenty of buttons you can push to put yourself in a better position to have stronger mental health.
4 Ways to Elevate Your Mental Health
Every person is different – and mental health is nothing to be trivial about. It’s impossible to offer a one-size-fits-all prescription for everyone. Having said that, here are some general steps you can take to elevate your mental health over the next several weeks and months.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness refers to the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment. It's about recognizing our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and the surrounding environment without getting caught up in them.
To practice mindfulness, start with breath awareness. Spend time each day focusing on your breathing – making note of how it feels to breathe in and out.
You can also eat mindfully, rather than rushing through your meals. Take the time to savor food. Pay attention to taste, texture, and smells. Other people enjoy mindful walking, which is where you focus on each step and soak in the surrounding sights, sounds, and smells.
Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In fact, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is now recognized as an effective treatment for preventing the recurrence of depression.
2. Get Professional Help
There’s no substitute for professional help in the form of counseling and therapy. Professionals have spent years studying and interacting with a variety of mental health issues and are equipped with effective frameworks to help you in your situation.
“Whether you are experiencing the effects of significant life changes such as grief and loss, PTSD, relationship stress, mental abuse, or clinical medical conditions like bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or schizophrenia – good counseling can be a positive force in your life,” according to TherapyTribe.
Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get your counseling or therapy covered by certain providers. However, even if you can’t, it’s an investment worth making for your future well-being.
3. Take Care of Yourself
There’s a direct correlation between physical health and mental health. While having good physical health won’t solve every problem or issue – many are much more deep seated than this – it has plenty of influence. Good diet, hydration, and exercise can keep you feeling happier and healthier.
4. Pursue Creative Outlets
Creativity isn't just for artists or writers; it's a process of expressing ourselves, experimenting, and engaging with our thoughts and feelings. Pursuing creative outlets can have a profound impact on mental health by giving you a way to express yourself, solve problems, and reduce stress. Common options include drawing, painting, writing, cooking, baking, and crafting.
When we create, we often enter a mindful state, similar to what's experienced during meditation. This can lead to lower heart rates, reduced stress hormones, and an overall sense of well-being. Plus, because creativity often involves interaction with others, the social component can add an extra layer of mental health benefits.
Adding it All Up
At the end of the day, improving your mental health is about carving out time for the things that will have a positive impact and removing the things that will have a toxic impact. It’s also important that you seek out professional help and surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through. That’s the game plan for success!
Tags: English