Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel or act in one way or the other. It also determines the way we handle stress, relate with others and make choices.
Mental health is important in all stages of our life and that’s why we should do everything humanly possible to make sure we take good care of our mental health.
6 Tips for Caring for Your Mental Health
You should do the following things if you want to take good care of your mental health:
Share Your Feelings
A problem shared is a problem halved, so goes an old saying. Sharing your problems with others is a proven way to beat stress. So, it makes more sense to tell others, especially family and friends, how you feel and see if they can help than trying to bottle up your emotions and die in silence.
Exercise
Exercising regularly keeps you active and boosts your self-esteem. It helps your brain and your mental health. Regular exercise will also help you concentrate, sleep well and feel better. Exercise isn’t just about doing sport or going to the gym. You can exercise by simply walking in the park, gardening or doing house chores.
Eat Well
The importance of food to your emotional, psychological and social well-being can’t be overemphasized. Good food helps the brain to stay healthy and function effectively. A healthy, balanced diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables, bread, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds, oily fish, dairy products and plenty of water.
Drink Responsibly
Sometimes, we drink alcohol to change our mood or deal with fear and loneliness but such effects are only temporary. We often realize ourselves when the drink wears off. Drinking is a bad way to manage difficult feelings and too much alcohol can damage our body.
Keep in Touch
Keeping in touch with family and friends is a good way to deal with the stresses of life. This is because some of them can know what you’re passing through even without being told. Sometimes, they encourage you to speak up so they can lend you a helping hand. Even if you can’t see face-to-face, you can communicate regularly with them thanks to the internet.
Ask for Help
You can always ask for professional help where all else fails. Seeking professional help like counseling will go a long way in maintaining your mental health. Counselors can understand and give you advice and guidance about your personal problems. They know where the shoe pinches you and how they can help.
As we celebrate this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s everyone’s duty to join hands “Together for Mental Health” in order to make the society a better place to live in. You can start it by going for a mental health therapy today.
The Center for Connection, Healing and Change provides mental health therapy for people of all ages. We offer a range of services focused on healing relationships, forging attachment, facilitating emotional closeness and exploring the mind-body connection, all aimed at restoring well-being for our clients. Our services facilitate connection, healing and change in all aspects of what it means to be human: emotional, mental, physical, relational and spiritual. Schedule a free consultation today, or visit our offices in Woodbridge or Fairfax if you’re in Virginia. For more information or enquiries, email us or call (703) 878-3290.