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Your mental health and well-being are just as important as your physical health. How you think, feel, and behave each day has a significant impact on your quality of life and ability to cope with life’s challenges. When struggling with difficult emotions or mental health issues like depression, anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where even to start helping yourself. This article provides 10 recommended things you can do regularly to support your mental health.
Practice Self-Care
Taking good care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Make sure to exercise, eat healthy and nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, limit unhealthy habits, and take time each day to unwind and de-stress. Read a book, take a bath, get a massage, or pursue a hobby that you find relaxing and enjoyable.
Connect With Others
Social interaction and support from family and friends are vital for well-being. Call a loved one, meet a friend for coffee, or volunteer your time for a good cause. Joining a club or taking a class are also great ways to connect with new people who share your interests and hobbies. Make plans to meet up in person and talk; truly sharing experiences will help strengthen your bonds.
Practice Mindfulness And Gratitude
Taking the time to be fully present and aware of your thoughts and feelings leads to reduced stress and anxiety. Spend a few minutes each day focused on your breathing, notice the little details in your surroundings, or reflect on things you are grateful for. Gratitude transforms your perspective, allowing you to appreciate life’s positives and boost optimism.
Set Small Goals And Acknowledge Your Wins
Don’t feel overwhelmed by working to improve your mental health. Set small, realistic goals and give yourself praise and rewards when you achieve them. Each win will boost your motivation and confidence.
Limit Social Media And Compare Less
Social media often promotes an unrealistic version of everyone else’s life. Limit time on social media and avoid constantly comparing yourself to others. Appreciate the uniqueness of your own life’s journey.
Take A Break When Stressed
Noticing signs of stress in yourself like increased worry, tension, or irritability? Take a quick break and do something to relax your body and mind such as reading a book, going for a walk, or calling a friend. A short timeout can help you gain a more balanced perspective.
Pursue Meaningful Activities
Engage in hobbies, art, music, sports, volunteering, spiritual practice, or other endeavors that you find inspiring and make you feel joyful. Having purpose and passion in life enhances self-esteem and resilience.
Maintain A Journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a cathartic mindful practice. Allow your thoughts to flow freely onto the page without judgment. Look for themes or insights that emerge.
Engage In Therapy Or Counseling
If you are struggling with difficult thoughts, feelings, or life transitions, speaking to a licensed therapist or counselor can be tremendously helpful. Therapy provides a supportive environment to open up, work through challenges, and gain useful strategies for coping and improving your mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek substance abuse and mental health resources in Alabama if you are in need.
Talk To A Doctor About Medication Options
Sometimes counseling and self-help strategies are not enough. If needed, speaking to a doctor about medication to help with diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or insomnia can be very helpful when combined with therapy. Medication can provide additional benefits when life circumstances make other strategies less effective.
