Taking care of mental health is an important part of life. It should be given equal emphasis alongside maintaining physical health. In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified mental health issues for so many Americans. Even as the pandemic recedes, the mental health issues stemming from stress, isolation, and sickness may remain. It is more important than ever to safeguard your mental health. For some, this may mean seeing a doctor for formal treatment. For others, there are a number of things you can do on your own to ensure your mental health is taken care of.
Learn more about mental health services in Athens, Georgia by calling Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485.
How to Take Care of Mental Health
Taking care of mental health is something you can learn to do for yourself. There are a number of simple, daily practices you can follow that encourage better mental health. Learn how to take care of mental health with these five tips.
1. Talk to Someone
When we have a cold or flu, chances are we’ll tell someone else about it. If someone asks us how we are doing and we’re sick, it’s natural, to be honest. The same is often not true when it comes to mental health. For a variety of reasons, people tend to keep their mental health status more private.
One of the best ways to support your mental health is to talk about it. Be honest with your struggles with someone you love. It can be incredibly refreshing to get a mental health issue off your chest by telling someone. Chances are, whoever you tell will be able to relate, as mental health issues are basically universal. Everyone has struggled at least a little bit at some point.
2. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Mental and physical health are closely intertwined. If you take care of your physical health, your mental health naturally benefits. Taking care of your mental health by necessity means implementing healthy habits. First, get at least some exercise every day. It doesn’t need to be strenuous, and you don’t need a gym membership. Go for a walk or do some yoga at home. The important thing is to get moving each day. In addition, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet. And don’t underestimate sleep. Getting proper sleep each night is essential to your mental health.
3. Do Things You Enjoy
Having pastimes or hobbies is important. Life needs to be about more than just work. Even better is when your hobbies become part of your routine. Some common examples include:
- Gardening
- Reading
- Playing with pets
- Painting or drawing
- Journaling
Sometimes, you can even pair exercise with something you enjoy, like jogging, hiking, or going for walks. There’s nothing wrong with being strategic in how you care for your mental and physical well-being.
4. Avoid Harmful Substances
Your body and mind will thank you for avoiding harmful substances. It may be tempting to use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products as a means of coping with mental health issues. But that type of self-medication will only worsen your mental health over time.
Saying no isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s helpful to reframe things for yourself. Instead of focusing on saying no to substances, flip the narrative so that you are saying yes to healthy things like engaging in a hobby or getting exercise.
5. Be Present and Experience the World
When your mental health is stressed, it can be hard to slow down and focus on the beauty of existence. Take a moment to breathe, center yourself, and take in your surroundings. In trying to focus on the world around you, ask one or more of these questions:
- What are five things I can hear?
- What are five things I can see?
- What can I smell?
- What does it feel like to touch something around me?
Taking Care of Your Mental Health with Help from Serenity Grove
Taking care of your mental health is a lifelong practice. Some days will be easier than others. If you find yourself struggling for an extended period of time, consider seeking professional help. Learn more about mental healthcare by calling Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485 or filling out our online contact form.
