Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? But, what exactly does this mean? Well, we take the time to educate everyone on various methods and tips for taking care of mental health, an important aspect of our lives.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors. It also includes how they interact with others and their environment. Prioritizing our mental health sounds simple, but it’s not always easy to do. That’s why I wanted to share these tips today for maintaining mental wellness.
10 tips for taking care of our mental health:
Social Connections:
We all need connection. Even the most introverted person needs to see or talk to someone at some point. We were built to connect with one another so taking the time to engage in real life social connections is important.
Appeal to your senses:
Did you know that engaging in your senses can “trick” your brain into thinking that it’s out of danger? Appealing to your basic needs, breathing properly, enjoying nutritious meals can help our overall wellbeing and reflects essential tips for taking care of your mental health.
Stay active:
There are numerous studies that show the relationship between exercise and improved mental health.
Talk to someone:
It may be simple for some but difficult for others, but opening up to someone about your feelings can help unload your stress.
Take up relaxation skills:
Mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing among others are helping relaxation skills we can learn to implement on our daily life. EMDR therapy teaches relaxation skills prior to delving into more stressful topic. Check out this link for more resources on relaxation skills.
Make time for leisure:
In a world in which productivity is glorified, take time to play and have fun. Be intentional about it.
Eat a healthy brain diet:
Eating healthy is not just for our overall health but for our mental health as well. Start paying attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. You’ll begin to notice how nutrition affects your mental health, serving as vital care tips for mental wellness.
Don’t skip on sleep:
Many of our stressors and anxiety can decrease with the simple practice of good sleep hygiene. Make sure you get proper rest. Although proper rest varies by person, ensuring that you get at least 6-7 hours of uninterrupted sleep is a good start.
Accept yourself:
There’s only one you in this would. Love him/her. Embrace him/her. We cannot expect for others to accept us if we don’t start with accepting ourselves.
Go to therapy:
If you engage in these tips, have a support system but find yourself still struggling, then therapy could be an additional tool to improve your overall mental health. Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore concerns and discover strategies to support your well-being. Find out more about therapy here.
DISCLAIMER: Although I am a mental health professional, the information I provide should not be considered a substitute for a formal mental health evaluation. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can contact us at (407) 906-5214.
Mental health is a complex and highly individualized matter. What works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, the best course of action for anyone dealing with mental health concerns is to schedule an appointment with us for a personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options. Please remember that seeking help from a licensed mental health expert is a vital step. It is crucial in addressing mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s important to seek help right away. Please contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.