Most people will deal with some level of mental distress in their lives. Whether it is stress from work, a major loss in life or troubles at home, it is normal to have rough seasons in life. The good news is that there are ways to focus on your mental health in much the same way that you would focus on your physical health. You can do little things each day that give you the help you need. There is no shame in prioritizing your emotional state. Here are eight habits that will help make you healthier both mentally and physically:
Make your home a safe and comfortable space
Sometimes you need a safe space to retreat to when things get tough. Your home is the perfect place to create a relaxing sanctuary. When you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, your home should be a safe place where you can relax and recover from the stressors of your life. Maybe you have a garden space you want to be lit up at night. Use JellyFishLighting.com to find exterior light options to brighten up your home at night. Maybe you need a quiet corner with a comfortable chair. Find a new one online that suits your needs.
Start to set limits and boundaries
People are not good at boundaries. From a young age, many are not taught to speak up when needed. These people fall into the trap of saying yes to everything that comes their way. This is the fastest way to burn out. Instead, pay attention to your needs and capacity first. It is important to understand your limits so that you can avoid taking on too much. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of, figure out how to say no.
Learn deep breathing exercises
A great way to calm your anxiety or stress at the moment is to try deep breathing exercises. This can help your nervous system to physically calm down more quickly. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, one of the easiest ways to relax is deep breathing exercises. These can be done anywhere and helps you concentrate on your body and breath as it flows through your lungs. There are many variations. But you can start by breathing in your nose for four counts. Then hold it for two counts and exhale through your mouth for 6-8 counts.
Go out with a friend
Do you have enough fun in your life? Sometimes we are feeling down because life becomes all work and no play. Take the time to go out with a friend regularly if you want to focus on your mental health. You could go see a movie, concert or sporting event. Some friends like to hike through nature, go to art museums or even play golf or other games together.
Learn to forgive others and yourself
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the person who hurt you gets to be in your life anymore. It means that you no longer let the weight of their actions continue to hurt you. Forgiveness is a choice, not something that happens automatically. It means letting go of anger and resentment so that you can move on with your life.
Be grateful every day
Try to be grateful daily, and if not daily, at least regularly. Gratitude exercises are a great way to improve your mental health and happiness. People who use a gratitude journal or who say things out loud that they are thankful for tend to experience better mental health than those who constantly focus on the good. Gratitude helps you sleep better, increases energy levels and lowers stress levels.
Find what makes you happy and do it
Sometimes we feel guilty for wanting to do something just because we like it. Whether that is taking a dance class or going out for a morning hike. Life should be enjoyed and when you enjoy it, your mental health improves. When you can find the things that bring you joy and prioritize doing it, you will find yourself feeling less stressed overall and always having something fun to look forward to.
Good mental health is still possible
Of course, there are times when mindfulness and going out with a friend are not enough and you need the help of a professional therapist. There is no shame in getting therapy and even taking medications or supplements if needed to improve your mental health. Much like physical health, it takes practice and exercising the right things to improve your mental health. It won’t happen on its own, but with time and a multidimensional approach, you can have good mental health.
Article written by Alicia Nicholson
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.