Hannah Grace
A lot of people value physical health-especially in this day and age-that popular regimens abound. From various diets to endless new workout routines, staying fit can be easily attained. Caring for our bodies is important, but we should treat our mental health with as much or even more care. If eating right and having enough sleep enables you to function, possessing a sound mind does too. Moreover, a stronger mind empowers you to do better and achieve more in life. Here are four easy ways to improve and strengthen your mental health:
Manage Your Emotions
Among all creatures, we alone can express ourselves through different kinds of emotion. Though feelings come naturally to us, we still need to balance them. You may struggle if you end up on either extreme end: ecstasy or despair. What problem does a happy man who got drunk celebrating his promotion at work share with a man who got drunk after losing his fourth job? Both of them will be hungover.
Know your emotions. Once you’ve named them and you understand why they come out, you can respond to a situation properly. Instead of risking causing a regretful situation by indulging your feelings, you’ll see them as objects of judgment. You determine which emotion is right for you to have at the moment and to what degree. Doing this serves not only you, but everyone else involved.
Commit to Self-Care
No one can be strong without taking care of themselves. Abraham Maslow, a renown psychologist, stated that the most essential human needs are physiological, safety, and esteem needs. Besides caring for your physical body, you can care for yourself by doing a few simple tasks.
First off, cut time on less useful activities and add up on good hobbies. Writing a journal beats browsing social media. Recording your thoughts and experiences helps you grow and mature. Forty minutes of learning a new skill like cooking or painting is better than four hours of playing online games. Useful leisure activities satisfy you more and stimulate your mind.
Second, set healthy personal boundaries. Keep a safe distance between you and your energy leeches. Toxic friends and draining thoughts don’t deserve space in your head. Surround yourself with genuine people who support and motivate you. Stop overthinking. You’re not meant to carry the weight of the world.
Ultimately, forgive more. Forgive those who caused you pain, and forgive your imperfect self. Release bitterness before it takes hold of you. Trade upsetting words for words of love and witness their impact.
Make Mindfulness a Habit
Our busy lives can easily deprive us of alone time. As humans, our souls thrive on contemplation. Being present makes us aware of what’s happening inside and around us, not focusing on unrealistic perceptions that stress us out. Science has proven how mindfulness promotes well-being and boosts brain health. You can begin your journey to a stronger self now. Establish a daily routine. It doesn’t matter whether your schedule allows you one hour or five minutes of meditation as long as you’re consistent. Over time, you’ll get used to it and find it enjoyable that you’ll feel like you’ve reaped the benefits in a day.
Train Your Brain
Our brains seek pattern. It takes time to break bad habits and form good ones, but it pays off in the end. For instance, if you tend to complain a lot, you must practice gratefulness. Instead of listing down reasons you hate your job, be thankful that you’re employed. If you always overeat at dinner, you must control your portions. If you tend to run from your fears, you must face them. Afraid of crowded places? Find a mental health professional to help you. Worried about what people think of you? Remind yourself that your worth depends on you alone and that you are more than enough.
Since there’s no deadline for self-improvement, you don’t have to feel pressured. Take it one step at a time. You may fail and doubt yourself sometimes, but keep moving forward. The harder it gets, the closer you are to the finish line.
Can you relate? Share your thoughts below. We’d love to hear them!
