Maintaining good mental health has become increasingly challenging in recent times due to things like the faster pace of life most of us lead, social media, and a more fractured political scene than ever before.
That is why, it is more important than ever that we all make an effort to stay as mentally well as we can. Prevention is always better than cure, and if you are struggling with your mental health, you can always put things in place to help you from slipping further too.
That being the case, below you will find some great preventative tips for better mental health right now:
1. Recognize and Manage Stress
Everyone faces stressful times in their life; it’s just part of being human. However, if you are able to recognize signs of stress such as irritability, sleeplessness, or feeling overwhelmed, then you can often act to do something about it and avoid the mental health implications of chronic stress before it takes hold.
Adopt relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even simple activities like using a mental health planner, reading or taking a walk and you may just see your stress levels drop to a point where they are more manageable. Knowing what triggers your stress and having strategies to cope can be immensely beneficial for us all.
2. Talk It Out
Talking about how you are feeling might not always seem very comfortable, especially when you are feeling some tricky feelings, but it can be a great way to release stress and anxiety and get the support you need to keep your mental health on an even keel. Talking to a psychiatric doctor is a good alternative for anyone who is struggling but does not feel comfortable discussing things with friends and family, as are support groups, so there is always a solution!
3. Maintain Social Connections
Humans are inherently social beings. So, it is fair to say that building and maintaining healthy relationships can serve as a protective factor against many mental health issues. Spend time with loved ones, engage in community activities, or simply maintain regular contact with friends and family, and although it may not be the whole solution, it will certainly help you to feel better about life, and keep you from becoming completely isolated, which can lead to worse depression, for example.
4. Prioritize Sleep
Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can have severe repercussions on our mental health, increasing stress levels and leaving you at greater risk of anxiety and depression, amongst other things, So, it is vital you get a good night’s rest most nights. Having a regular sleep schedule, which allows for 7-9 hours a night is the best way to achieve this.
5. Set Boundaries
In our interconnected world, it’s easy to feel pressured to be ‘on’ all the time because even at home, there is social media to think of. But it’s crucial for mental well-being to set boundaries. This could mean doing things like limiting work hours, taking breaks from social media, or simply setting aside personal time. Anything that allows you to rest and recharge will help.
Prevention is better than cure, which is why we should all be working on our mental health always.