5 Ways To Protect Your Mental Health
It requires these actions
The pandemic created paramount losses leading to collective grief. While most states are now referring to it as the post pandemic era. Most persons who managed through the pandemic are coping with loss of family and the impact on mental health well-being.
While our physical health is given priority there continues to be stigmas attached to the discussion on mental well-being.
However, our mental health can affect all other aspects of our well-being and it is imperative that we take personal responsibility to stay mentally healthy.
There are five ways we can protect and nurture our mental well-being. They require action, but you deserve to make time and take care of you, as no one can do it for you.
Exercise –Exercise boosts the feel good hormones of endorphins and as such regular engagement in such helps not just create feel good moments but also manage the daily living of stressful moments. It doesn’t have to be your panting breathlessly in a gym. Find something you enjoy, it could be dancing, going walking with a friend, whatever gets you moving for at least thirty minutes a day is a great start.
Finding a favorite pastime/hobby — Finding something to do just for fun, is not just for children but adults also. What would you do endlessly if you can carve out time? Think of something that may be effortless and allows time to go without you realizing it. I once had a client who enjoyed doing calligraphy, nothing is outside the scope, even if much persons haven’t mentioned it as a past time, once you enjoy it, you can pursue it.
Managing your stress level — I know this is easier said than done, more and more physical illness is having their origin found in the person being stressed.
I remember once knowing I was stressed about a personal issue and did nothing to resolve it, except think about it daily. In time, the stress resulted in physical unwellness. Finding someone to talk with, or identifying ways to manage your stress is necessary for mental well- being.
Socializing — Writing this as an introvert that I am, almost makes me cringe. However, I have realized the importance of spending time with family and friends for mental well-being. It doesn’t have to be everyday but doing so is vital for our survival. Regardless of our personality type, we were created as social beings, needing human interaction — some of us more than others.
Connecting with your Spiritual self — Tuning in to your spiritual self in whatever form or fashion that works for you is linked to promoting mental well-being. Persons who are affiliated with and involved in religious organizations usually indicate that they feel a sense of belonging which aids in maintaining mental wellness.
Life is a journey filled with varying moments that give rise to different emotions.
Mental wellness though still discussed with some element of taboo, is important for our overall well-being.
Taking steps to keep us healthy -mentally will enable us to enjoy a better quality of life and stay standing even when moments of life bring us to valley experiences.