10 Ways to Make Mental Health a Priority in Your Life
It’s important to remember that mental health is just as vital as physical health, yet we often give it less attention than we do our physical well-being. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of 10 ways to mmakeake mental health a priority in your life. Check them out below! If you have any tips of your own, be sure to share them with us on Facebook or Twitter! (Click the icons below.)
1) Get creative
1.Set aside time each day to do something that makes you happy- even if it’s just for 15 minutes. 2. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling- a friend, family member, therapist, or even a hotline. 3. Exercise regularly- not only does it have physical benefits, but it can also help improve your mood and mental state. 4. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep- both quantity and quality are important when it comes to rest. 5. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself. 6. Spend less time on social media- too much scrolling can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation 7. Pay attention to the thoughts that go through your head throughout the day 8. Practice mindfulness techniques like yoga or meditation 9. Seek out environments where you feel comfortable 10. Be mindful of what you say and do
2) Express yourself through writing
Putting your thoughts and feelings into words can help you process and make sense of them. It can also be therapeutic to write about your experiences with mental illness, whether it’s through poetry, short stories, or even just journaling.
Talk to someone you trust about your mental health (five sentences): Talking to someone who will understand and not judge you can be incredibly helpful.
3) The value of hobbies
Research has shown that having hobbies can improve our mental health by providing a sense of purpose, reducing stress, and increasing our self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Here are 10 ideas for hobbies that can improve your mental health:
1. Take up a new sport or activity.
2. Join a club or group.
3. Get involved in your community.
4. Start a garden.
5. Take care of a pet.
6. Volunteer your time.
4) Establish routines for your life
A routine can help provide structure for your day and give you a sense of normalcy, both of which can be helpful when managing mental health. Try to stick to set times for waking up, eating meals, and going to bed. Add in time for self-care activities that help you relax and de-stress. And don’t forget to schedule time for fun activities too!
5) Quit comparing yourself to others
It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game, especially with social media. But constantly comparing yourself to others is only going to lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Instead, focus on your own journey and what you're doing to better yourself. Remember that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, so it's important not to judge yourself by someone else's standards. You'll have days where you feel like all hope is lost; but just remember that there are other people who have been there before you, who have also felt this way and have come out stronger than ever!
6) You have to become Your Best Friend
When it comes to taking care of your mental health, it’s important to treat yourself like you would your best friend. This means being patient, understanding, and forgiving with yourself. It also means taking the time to do things that make you happy and checking in with yourself regularly to see how you’re doing. For example, if you notice that you're feeling down or are experiencing something difficult for more than two weeks, take the time to reach out for help from someone who can help. The earlier you get professional help when depression symptoms start getting worse, the better chance there is for recovery.
7) Learn New Things Every Day
A great way to make mental health a priority in your life is by learning new things every day. This can help keep your mind active and prevent boredom, which can lead to depression. There are plenty of ways to learn new things, such as reading books, taking classes, or even just doing research online. For example, if you want to read more, consider signing up for Kindle Unlimited so that you can have access to thousands of books. You could also take up a hobby like knitting or drawing if you're looking for a creative outlet. If you want to go back to school, there are plenty of free courses available on sites like Coursera and edX. No matter what interests you the most, getting involved with it will not only be good for your mental health but also beneficial for your overall well-being too!
8) Keep up with Physical Activity
It can be easy to let physical activity fall by the wayside when you’re feeling down, but it’s important to keep up with it. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A sedentary lifestyle can worsen depression symptoms, so make sure to get moving every day. Try out different types of exercise, such as yoga or swimming.
9) Connect with Others
It can be easy to feel isolated and alone when you’re struggling with your mental health, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.Reach out to your friends and family, or even join a support group. Talking about your mental health can be difficult, but it can also be incredibly liberating.
10) Forgive Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the should haves and the could haves. But dwelling on past mistakes will only prevent you from moving forward. Give yourself some grace and know that you are doing the best you can with what you have. Start fresh by forgiving yourself for past mistakes and move on. Get into nature: A lot of people forget about the importance of being outside. Humans are creatures of nature, so it is important to spend time outside exploring your surroundings. Go somewhere new: Exploration has shown to be one of the most effective ways to bring happiness into your life. Take an adventure, take a hike, go visit somewhere new! You never know what might happen!