Ever had your heart broken? It may seem petty at first and silly, but it can actually take a toll on your mental health and affect you in ways one cannot comprehend. Losing a loved one is traumatic, as well. However, the above incidents cannot be a prerequisite for one’s poor mental health. Experiences like losing a job, not being able to get into your dream university can put one in a spiral.
On the 10th of October, every year, we have world mental health day. This, in itself, portrays the significance of mental health and shows how important it really is. Mental health is often neglected. WHO contends that there is no single, fixed definition of the term ‘mental health.’
Additionally, it must be borne in mind that third-world countries focus on fulfilling basic human needs instead of taking steps towards improving mental health in general. So, this is another reason why it is not given too much recognition. Other factors, such as cultural norms and differences, competing for professional notions, play a role.
An individual’s mental health is omnipotent, at least in my perspective and if you agree- keep reading!
Awareness
‘One day, you will tell your story of how you have overcome what you are going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.’
We should look into awareness at the outset of our discussion. If mental health is not acknowledged and talked about- how will we take steps towards improving it? Awareness acts as a reminder. Thus, those diagnosed with mental disorders deserve special treatment and need to be taken care of.
Awareness also means that we all should be vulnerable around one another in terms of sharing our personal stories and experiences. It gives others hope and also reassurance that they are, in fact, not alone. This can aid their healing process.
Furthermore, to promote mental health, we should openly communicate with those around us. We need to educate ourselves regarding mental health as much as possible. Volunteering and forming NGOs can help with our cause, not to mention organizing mental health screening events can prove to be beneficial. We can also make use of social media.
Keep Active
One of the best habits to improve mental health is exercise. Exercise is pertinent when it comes to not just a healthy lifestyle but a positive mindset. It is a known fact that hormones are released after a good workout session, which noticeably boosts our morale. It is definitely a stress-reliever.
Jogging, gardening, brisk walks, aerobics, Zumba, swimming and cycling, etc. these methods are known to reduce both anxiety and depression. It also mitigates symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.
Eat Well
Fruits and vegetables are essential for foods to improve mental health. If one’s sugar level drops, he or she may feel tired and extremely irritable. In this case, one should try to eat food that slowly releases energy, such as cereals, nuts, seeds, pasta, etc.
We all rush through our breakfast before college or work, and in many instances, we skip the meal as a whole. When, in reality, we should treat it as the most important meal of the day. Instead of having three full meals, the portions should be spread out throughout the day.
Avoid Alcohol, junk food, and sugary drinks at all costs or minimized at least. While discussing diet, water is vital, and 6 to 8 glasses is the bare minimum. You may ask, “how to improve mental health without medications.” Therefore, try opting for supplements that benefit mental health, such as Folic acid, Magnesium, Selenium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Kratom, etc. Kratom krush sells the best kratom powders that can help you relax and give your mind the rest it needs.
Connecting With Others
Prioritizing your mental health is essential. Therefore, developing quality, meaningful relationships is key to a healthy mindset. Connecting with family, friends,
and even joining social groups are pivotal. Humans are social creatures and that are wired to develop close connections. These connections can also provide a sense of belongingness.
Relaxation Techniques
You must have some friends that meditate daily, or perhaps you yourself do?
In my eyes, it encourages self-awareness and obliges one to sit with their fears and thoughts one-on-one. This can be very daunting, and individuals often avoid confronting their internal issues.
Besides meditation, we have progressive relaxation and guided imagery. Self-hypnosis, biofeedback, and deep breathing exercises can also provide us with ease while dealing with a stressful situation.
Developing Coping Skills
Everyone has their own way of dealing with trauma, anxiety, and other problems. I, for one, tend to overeat and put on a few pounds. Sounds familiar? Some of your peers may get into drugs, which indeed is quite risky.
We should respect unique coping methods but encourage relatively less harmful practices such as venting, journaling, and even crying it out. Science claims that crying actually improves one’s overall mood.
Sense Of Meaning And Purpose In Life
“Lack of direction, not Lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.”
― Zig Ziglar
Having a vision and a sense of direction is salient, or else what are we really working towards? Lack of direction may demotivate us as we have nothing to look forward to. Goals and plans for the near future hold significance and push us to work for it. Hence, achieving these goals can be empowering.
This sense of empowerment is uplifting. This could mean something different for everyone. Getting your dream job or merely opening a charity organization could result in this feeling of empowerment.
Practicing Gratitude
Counting your blessing when feeling low can help you gain perspective. Also, it helps you look at the bigger picture. Being thankful for the smallest of things can be a game-changer as it helps us bounce back from setbacks quicker.
Writing down these blessings, no matter how trivial, should be done or, at the very least, highlighting them.
Staying Positive
There are many theories by academics. This states that there are different causes of depression, including chemical/ hormonal imbalances, etc.
However, one’s outlook on life also plays a significant role. Some are accustomed to thinking negatively and develop consistent patterns of negative thinking.
We all have those friends (maybe even family members) who are apparently stuck in a loop of negative self-sabotaging thoughts and cannot get themselves out of it. Does this sound like someone you know? It is more common than you think.
REBT therapy and the ABC model are a part of certain treatment types. The psychiatrist attempts to redefine and reframe their client’s belief system. This is not an easy task and requires persistence and patience.
Displacing negative and self-pity thoughts such as ‘why me?’, ‘this will never get better’ should be eradicated and replaced by positive affirmations. Examples of positive affirmations comprise of sayings like ‘I will get through this eventually,’ ‘I am not alone, and this too shall pass.’
The human mind is the most vital organ. Indeed it is in every way possible. It can either become a dangerous master or a faithful servant. This is a cliche saying but holds valid ground because it is the truth. Either the mind controls you, or you’re in charge. It really is all in mind, and studies can back up this proposition.
The above points all hold relevance. Moreover, think positively and rock Life! Best Of Luck!