Prioritizing Mental Health
Mental health is often overlooked by many people. Jonathan Osler discusses how it should be taken more seriously and even given priority over other things in a person’s life. He talks about some ways to prioritize mental health so that one can live a better life.
1. Getting enough sleep
A lot of people neglect sleep even though it is very important for mental health. A lack of sleep has shown to cause more symptoms of depression. It also causes more problems with everyday life such as trouble concentrating, memory loss etc. So make sure to get enough sleep!
2. Getting moving through exercising
Exercise has been shown to have a huge impact on mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety, helps one sleep better and improves brain function. The best form of exercise is one that one enjoys and it should be done in moderation.
3. Practice moving the body
Active recovery is also great for one’s mental health. Going for a walk instead of sitting down to watch TV or do some stretching when one first wakes up in the morning. It doesn’t have to be a long walk or anything too intensive, any movement is beneficial for an individual’s health.
4. Calling someone
Sometimes one just needs to vent and it’s ok if one needs to call someone in order to do that. There are many services available that can help one talk about their issues and help them think of solutions to the problems.
5. Cutting down on social media presence
Being on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be fun but it is also addicting and can cause people to feel more stressed, less happy and upset after using them. Try to stay off them for a few hours or even days in order to give one’s brain time to relax. It is important to cut down on time spent on social media and focus on things that are more important in life!
6. Educating oneself
Read up on information regarding mental health and try different techniques that work to curb mental health challenges. Learning about what will help someone is very important, so taking the time to read articles like this one is paramount!
7. Giving back to a community
Helping others has been shown to improve mental health, so people shouldn’t be selfish and try to give back! There are many ways one can help other people such as walking dogs at an animal shelter or even volunteering at a hospital.
8. Supporting oneself
Be kind to oneself! Don’t put too much pressure on oneself and try to improve mental health by doing things such as meditating or spending time on hobbies that one enjoys.
9. Taking Meds seriously
It is critical not to stop taking medication or change the dosage without consulting with a doctor or psychiatrist. Making sure to take all of the prescribed medication as directed and don’t forget that it takes at least a month for most medications to work.
Remember that many people could be battling mental health issues, and there is always help available. One should not be afraid to ask for help as demonstrated by Jonathan Osler!