7 Effective Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health
1. Professional Help | 2. Exercise | 3. Relaxation Activities | 4. Me Time | 5. Self-Compassion | 6. Gratitude | 7. Set Realistic Goals | Key Takeaways
In today's fast-paced world, managing our mental health is crucial. This guide provides seven practical mental health tips and coping strategies to help you manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Let's embark on a journey towards a healthier and happier you.
Keeping those stress levels in check is a constant struggle for most people, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of simple lifestyle changes we can all embrace to improve our mental and emotional well-being, from spending more time outdoors to enjoying the company of loved ones.
After all, a good deal of our mental health problems are directly linked to the growing disconnect from the natural world and genuine social relationships.
While vacationing in a scenic location like Dartmouth is a good starting point, here are some additional tips to help you take better care of your mental health.
Mental Health Tip #1: Seek Professional Help
In the same way that you need to visit your General Practitioner (GP) for regular health checks, even if you’re doing well, all of us should talk to a mental health team of professionals.
Therapists and counsellors don’t just help people deal with mental health. Still, they can also advise coping strategies to manage your stress, grief, and other problems effectively so that they do not lead to chronic stress disorders or depression.
Therapy is also much more accessible today because of the proliferation of online platforms. However, it’s important that you only use expert-recommended online therapy providers that have been thoroughly vetted.
Mental Health Tip #2: Exercise Regularly
Sports and Mental Health go hand in hand. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and energy levels. Even a short walk can make a difference.
Any form of physical activity will help boost your mood and improve your physical health, with small intervals of activity in a day also adding up.
How to Do It
Don’t try to adopt a long exercise routine at the outset. Start small and keep building up.
If you are vacationing, it shouldn’t stop you from exercising, either. A destination like Dartmouth offers plenty of options for scenic walks, including the surrounding countryside as part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
So, try to keep your daily steps up even on holiday!
Mental Health Tip #3: Practice Relaxation Exercises
Numerous relaxation exercises are proven to lower stress levels and anxiety, making it easier to deal with challenging situations that we face in everyday life, as well as more traumatic events.
Relaxation Activities
These are typically simple coping strategies that you can learn online or from a mental health therapist and then practice anytime, anywhere.
Some of these are:
breathing exercises
meditation
progressive muscle relaxation
guided imagery visualisation
journaling
For more ideas, check our list of 8 alternative ways to relax.
Mental Health Tip #4:Make Time for Yourself a Priority
Try to prioritise downtime, including breaks during your workday, time to pursue activities or hobbies you enjoy, and time for vacations. If you're in the habit of always being “on” or constantly multitasking, this can be tough initially, but you will soon begin to appreciate the benefits.
Regularly setting aside time for yourself can make a big difference in how refreshed and resilient you feel. Weekend getaways, for instance, can be a great way to unplug and recharge without requiring a significant time commitment.
Indulge in Relaxation and Get a Full Body Massage! Massage Therapy can help reduce stress, alleviate muscle tension, and promote well-being.
Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's essential for maintaining your mental and emotional health. Prioritize your well-being and reap the rewards.
Mental Health Tip #5: Practice Self-Compassion
Many of us are our own harshest critics, which can lead to increased stress and feelings of inadequacy. Self-compassion is an essential skill to practice for better mental health because you deserve the same compassion you would offer to a friend.
Start your day with morning affirmations and treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during tough times. By doing so, you can build resilience, improve your self-esteem, and create a healthier mindset that improves every aspect of your life.
Mental Health Tip #6: Practice Mindfulness, Gratitude & Positivity:
The onslaught of digital technology and its rapid integration into every area of life has made us more disconnected than ever, not just from friends and family but also from ourselves.
Practising mindfulness, gratitude, and positivity can counter these effects, as research shows they can improve emotional regulation, enhance overall mental clarity, and increase happiness levels.
You can start by maintaining a journal to record your thoughts and feelings, noting down positive experiences and things that make you feel grateful.
This will cultivate greater self-awareness and appreciation for the little joys that we take for granted.
Mental Health Tip #7: Set Realistic Goals and Priorities
When it comes to finding inner peace and happiness, you are often your own worst enemy. Aside from showing yourself compassion and prioritising downtime, you must also carefully evaluate your goals and priorities. This applies to short-term and long-term goals, including relationships, careers, etc.
Decide on realistic timelines and what’s most important right now, giving yourself enough time to enjoy and appreciate the smaller accomplishments.
This requires breaking down goals or objectives into smaller components so that every small step will take you closer to achieving that larger objective.
Key Takeaways: Prioritizing Mental Health
1. Seek Professional Help: Consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable support and guidance.
2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts mood and energy levels.
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can
reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities you enjoy and relax.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
6. Cultivate Mindfulness and Gratitude: Focus on the present moment and appreciate the
positive aspects of your life.
7. Set Realistic Goals: Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps.