by Kerry Taylor
Mental health is defined as “a persons’ condition with regard to their social, emotional and psychological well being.”
When you sit down and think for a moment, we have all been pushing hard to get through and survive this pandemic. With all that has occurred, it has caused a definite struggle and ripple in everyone’s mental health at some point. The current statistics state that of those who recognize their mental health is not good, only 25% of them receive some form of treatment or help. This increased challenge of mental wellbeing has thrown everyone for a loop, all you have to do is turn on the news. There is definitely something severely wrong with our mental health as a whole society.
Your mental health will not be great 100% of the time because life isn’t great 100% of the time. If we can keep ourselves on the good side of mental health, we will make better overall decisions. But if we allow ourselves to stay in a bad mental health position, we will have to deal with all the hurdles that come with it. We will increase the amount of unhealthy decisions we make, which in turn sometimes can lead to some addictive unhealthy habits that stick with us in the future. I know my mental health has been on a roller coaster ride for these past 2 years and I’m fighting hard to get it back to where I want and need it to be for myself and those around me. If you are reading this and saying, “Yeah me too!” Check out some of these actions you can try to take to get yourself realigned and back on the right path
Exercising
Yes, here it is again, exercise. In all of my “Improve yourself” blogs, this is one of the main ingredients I feel needs to be in there. Why? It brings about so many benefits. A clear mind, improved mood, increased energy levels, better self esteem, increased confidence and stress relief, just to name a few. Every workout has a level of challenge within itself, sometimes it’s just starting and finishing for some of us. Overcoming a challenge of exercising increases our feel good genes. It also releases some of our happy hormones into the body. So whatever you need to do, find a way to get it into your life.
Getting Support and Guidance
The people in your life that you know, trust and believe in like family or friends can be a key to this. They will help to push you to feel better. Have a sit down and tell them what you need from them to get yourself in a better place. Don’t be afraid to call in a professional if needed, it’s what they are trained to do. There is NO shame in allowing yourself to get help to work through some stuff to put you back on the right path. Try find ways to increase your connection with others by having a meal together, just unstructured time together or maybe look in to creating a no technology day or hours so you can truly be present with others.
Your Fuel Plan
How we fuel ourselves plays a role in how our mental health shapes up. Low nutrient, processed food, sugary food and fast foods should be taken out of your regular eating schedule. The constant intake of these types of food has contributed in worsening your moods. It will also lead to other medical issues like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes just to name a few. If you can stay consistent with supplying your body with a balanced amount of high nutrient one-ingredient foods like fruits, veggies, meats and whole grains, you will have increased brain function and mental clarity.
Sleep and Rest
Not having enough of it is always very clear and noticeable as we go about our days. All we have to do is look in the mirror. You must make sure you have the right amount of rest and sleep for YOU. If you are constantly not getting enough of it, certain things will start to creep up like an increase in anxiety, depression, unclear thinking and out of whack emotions. Make sure you find ways to shut it down when it’s time to shut it down!
Show Yourself Some Love
Perception is reality, we become what we think whether positive or negative. So you best be thinking positive thoughts and saying positive affirmations to yourself. Look in the mirror, say it to yourself when you open your eyes from a slumber or when in the shower, but find some time to give yourself some love and a dose of positivity. Simple affirmations like, “I can do this”, “I can be and make the difference”, “I have what it takes”. Whatever you need to say to yourself to get yourself going. Don’t knock it until you try it. It may also help for you to speak it out loud or start a journal in which you express what you’re thankful and grateful for. Adding more positivity and thankfulness will only lead to a better outcome. It’s easy for most of us to get down on ourselves or look at what’s wrong. Try to always reframe it and look at what’s right.
Self Care
I had someone who is very important to me remind me of this recently. She asked, ”How are you doing?” My response was, “Eh, okay I guess. A little blah but okay.” She furthered the conversation to ask me, “What are you doing for self care?” At that point in time, I couldn’t really give an answer. It reminded me and has challenged me to add some element of self care into all my days. Self care is anything that helps nurture your mind, body, soul and spirit. So make sure you add those things into your life regularly.
Allow yourself to check within to see where you are mentally and if you feel you’re not in a good place or struggling, try adding 1 or a combination of these into your life to turn things around. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so make sure you are doing something for it as well. Until next time, continue to live life one degree above the rest.