Mental health can often be an overwhelming concept, but it doesn’t have to be. There are small things you can do every day, and every little change and effort you make adds up to a big impact on your mental health and overall well being. Below are five things you can start doing today.
Surround Yourself With Good People
They say, “you are the company you keep”, and it has been shown that people with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. It makes sense that if you surround yourself with good, positive people, you will feel more positive than if you surround yourself with negative people.
To do this, make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people. Have a favorite hobby? Explore groups with the same interests so you can surround yourself with like-minded people.
Learn Stress Management Skills
We all know stress is a fact of life. That’s why it’s so important to learn skills to deal with stressful situations in a healthy way when they come up (because they will come up). Test out different strategies to find what works best for you. Some ideas include Tai Chi, exercise, taking a nature walk, journaling, playing with your pet, or meditation.
If nothing else, smile and remember that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
Set Realistic Goals
What are your goals and intentions for your day, week, month and year? Write them down, along with realistic actions you can take to achieve those goals. Can’t think of any tangible things you can do to work toward a goal? Maybe it isn’t realistic right now. The idea is to aim high, but be realistic and don’t over-schedule yourself. You’ll enjoy a sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal‚ which is great for your mental health.
Take Care Of Your Body
Taking care of yourself physically can have a huge impact on your mental health. Be sure to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and get enough exercise.
Make these efforts a priority in your daily routine. Keep healthy foods and snacks on hand at home and at work. Schedule exercise just like you would a doctor’s appointment. Keep track of how much water you are drinking and how much sleep you are getting. It is also a great idea and motivation to find an accountability partner—someone working toward the same goals who you can check in with and help motivate each other.
Get Help When You Need It
Seeking help is a sign of strength—not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives. Our TherapyWorks team consists of some of the most professional and compassionate therapists around who are here to help you when you are ready. You can schedule an appointment online 24/7.