10 THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

We find ourselves hitting the gym to look and feel fit, if we have a stomach ache or a cold, we reach out to a doctor and start taking preventative measures. We go to a nutritionist and follow a diet for better gut health …

BUT do we take steps towards our own mental health? Seldom the answer is YES.

Mental health is an umbrella term and in it falls - emotional, psychological, and social well being. The way we feel, think, and act. It is more than the absence of mental illness - mental health is essential to our overall health and life quality. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Here are 10 ways you we start taking care of your own mental health -

1. Connect with People

We all have the need to belong and connecting with others fosters a sense of belonging, and strengthens emotional and social support. Ways one can do this is -Join a support group. Join a group class of choice (book club, basketball etc.)

Have one meal with family/friends a week.

2. Sleep

Sleep is vital for healthy functioning. Aim for 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Try to get a 20 mins Power Nap in the afternoon for better brain functioning.

3. Practice Gratitude

Expressing gratitude or writing 3 things you are grateful for at the end of the day can help you end your day with a smile, a positive mindset, and hope for the next day.

4. Keep Active

Physical exercise has shown to improve your mood and decrease brain fog. Physical activity leads to endorphins being released in the body which decreases stress and pain. Small ways to add some activity in your day -

Take the stairs when you can

Meet a friend for coffee and walk and talk

Light stretches and yoga.

5. Establish a Routine

Following a basic routine can help give structure to your day and help with uncertainty which many times causes anxiety in us. Ways you can make a routine which is flexible and yet gives structure -

Wake up 10 minutes before your regular time, and make a priority list for the day .

Keep 3 items as priority.

Keep 30 mins for physical exercise of any sorts, walking, yoga, etc.

Follow a gratitude journal before bed.

Skin care/ self care before bedtime.

6. Unplug and Unwind

Take the time to “turn off” your brain. Ways one can follow unplugging and unwinding is through -

Turn off your cell phone or social media for certain hours and engage in painting, reading, or any other activity that you enjoy.

Blast music in your room, dance and sing along.

Try cooking a new dish or baking something fresh.

Sit with a cup of tea or coffee and just do nothing.

7. Random Act of Kindness

Act of kindness, like helping someone out with small chores, passing a smile to a stranger, giving your parking spot to someone, or anything that makes another person smile can go a long way in making you feel good about yourself.

8. Take a Break

Pause, breathe, and do nothing. Many times , laying in bed, and doing nothing is all you need to do. Take a day off or a couple days off and do nothing.

9. Be present in the Here and Now - Mindfulness

Being present in the moment is something we rarely do. Next time you are having your cup of coffee, try not thinking about what you want to do next after coffee or keep that newspaper/ phone away and enjoy the taste of your coffee, the temperature, how it makes you feel and spend those 15 minutes in the moment.

10. Seek Professional Help

Get yourself a therapist. It is the hardest but the most courageous thing you can do for your mental health.