Mental health is a vital — yet often overlooked — part of our overall wellbeing. When you’re struggling with your mental health or dealing with mental illness, it can have a serious impact on your quality of life. But when your mental health is doing well, you may feel more energised, fulfilled, and happy.
Fortunately, there are some small steps that you can take to improve your mental wellness. In this article, we’ll discuss five simple yet effective ways to care for your mental health. Keep in mind, however, that these tips aren’t a substitute for professional advice. Be sure to contact 000 or Lifeline if you need immediate support.
Take care of your body
Did you know that physical health is deeply intertwined with mental health? By taking care of your physical body, you improve your chances of keeping your mind healthy as well.
Specifically, self-care for your body includes getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, and spending time outdoors. It may seem minor, but practising these habits can add up and provide an excellent boost to your mental health.
Spend time with loved ones
As humans, we crave emotional connections with others. It makes sense, then, that spending time with loved ones is beneficial for your mental health. Whether it’s with family, friends, or coworkers, taking the time to build relationships is a rewarding activity that can help you feel supported and loved.
Do something that you enjoy
For many of us, our daily commitments can be overwhelming and leave little time left for hobbies or fun activities. However, in order to achieve mental wellness, you need to take some time for yourself and do things that you enjoy.
Whether you like playing music, knitting, or cooking, be sure to dedicate some time each week to explore your interests. These activities are an important form of self-expression and can help you feel more satisfied with your life.
Use healthy stress management techniques
Even at the best times, life can get incredibly stressful. Between work, school, family, and friends, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed on occasion. Everyone experiences stress, but the important thing is how you respond to it.
For the sake of your mental wellbeing, experts recommend using healthy coping mechanisms (rather than harmful ones) during stressful periods. It might be tempting to use alcohol or drugs as a way to escape your worries, but this short-term strategy is dangerous to your long-term mental health. Instead, you can use the other tactics on this list (such as exercise, hobbies, and bonding time) to relieve stress in a safe way.
Get help when you need it
Remember that mental health is challenging and complex. While some people might find these strategies useful, others may not. Don’t feel discouraged if you’ve tried to improve your mental wellness on your own without any luck. Your situation is unique, and you may require professional help with your personal mental health struggles.
At WAYS, we offer a free help and information line for young people and their families. Our team of specialists is available to listen and provide support for a range of issues, including school problems, family issues, substance abuse, and mental health concerns.
Visit the WAYS website for more information about our counselling services, including contact details and operating hours.