Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness, it is essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness.
In this article, we will focus on how we can protect our Mental Health.
Self-Care
Self-care is very important in maintaining your sanity. It means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Some of the tips to self-care include:
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you are getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health.
Accept Help From Others
One of the most disappointing things can be reaching out for help and not receiving it. Not only can it make you feel defeated, but it can also cause feelings of rejection. Some revert to not asking for help at all because they don’t want to put themselves in a position to be vulnerable or let down.
Although this is understandable, going through life without asking for help makes for a lonely journey. Nobody can do everything on their own, and even if you can, you are likely going to burn yourself out. Conversely, asking for help can drastically improve your wellbeing.
Ask for help when you need it as the more help you have, the more time you have to rest and focus on things that bring you joy. Even if someone isn’t able to help there are several others who are ready and willing to so don’t let it discourage you.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
When you have a mental health condition, it can be debilitating. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse can lead to one becoming reclusive and withdrawn. However, when going through dark spells, you need your support system more than anything.
Cutting off from people that could provide support gives you time to perpetuate negative thoughts and indulge in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Studies show loneliness and isolation are linked to serious health conditions like higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide.
Instead, commit to finding ways to connect with people who make you feel good about yourself and show you, genuine love. Being around the right people has immense benefits for your overall health. Research has shown a strong support system can improve your wellbeing, equip you with better-coping skills, and promote longer living. It can also have positive effects on depression and anxiety.
