It’s no secret that taking care of your mental health is vital. Good mental health ensures you’re functioning and feeling well and can cope with work and life stresses. Alternatively, poor mental health can result in mental health conditions such as depression that negatively impact your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to look after their mental health. Here are four practical ways to help you look after your mental health.
1. Talk about your feelings
Many people assume talking about their feelings is a sign of weakness when this isn’t the case. Sharing how you feel can help you cope with a problem as it makes you feel supported and less alone. And, by opening up, you prompt the other party to do the same, strengthening your relationship and bond.
2. Be active
According to experts, exercising makes you feel good by releasing certain chemicals in your brain. Regular exercise not only helps you concentrate and sleep better but also boosts your self-esteem.
Therefore, try and be active as much as possible, whether this means jogging a few times a week or partaking in physical activities such as escape games. Remember, exercising doesn’t mean going to the gym or doing sport.
3. Drink sensibly
Although alcohol is a part of many people’s lives, drinking it often isn’t advisable, especially if you drink to change your mood. Alcohol’s effects are only temporary, and once it wears off, you’ll feel worse. Avoid drinking to manage difficult challenges or feelings. Instead, find other ways to deal with your feelings, like talking to a therapist.
However, this should not discourage you from taking a drink to unwind. Most people enjoy occasional light drinking, which is perfectly healthy.
4. Take a break
Work or school can make you feel good about yourself while giving you a sense of purpose. But, they can also be sources of stress, adversely impacting your mental well being. It’s wise to take a break once in a while for a change of scene or pace. This can be an hour lunch break or a weekend getaway. Even a five-minute pause can be enough to de-stress you.