Do you wake up dreading the day ahead?
Is your energy lagging and your mind trapped in a downward spiral?
Do worries or sadness distract from responsibilities at home and in the workplace?
If you have found maintaining mental health to be an uphill battle, you are not alone. Many people deal with a variety of past traumas, current circumstances, and genetic factors that make it especially necessary to guard their emotional wellbeing through lifestyle changes or medical intervention. Often the first step forward is simply being open about the struggle at hand so that you can implement new habits and seek supportive solutions.
Below are some suggestions you may find helpful to strengthen and protect your mental health:
- Lean on your network. Sometimes a sense of heaviness can be isolating- or even cause you to isolate. It is important in difficult seasons to make efforts to continue building relationships with family and friends. Moreover, it may be beneficial to connect with others through book clubs, church functions, volunteer opportunities, or community events.
- Eat nutritional foods. The food we consume can either help or hinder brain functionality, and therefore our emotional and behavioral health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins may reinforce both physical and mental wellbeing.
- Speak to your practitioner about incorporating supplements into your daily routine. Some supplements, such as Omega-3 and Fish Oil, have been found to have favorable affects on mental performance.
- Cultivate coping mechanisms to minimize stress. Some key life skills, such as prioritizing and managing time, may play large roles in mental health. Scheduling regular blocks of time to work out, get adequate rest, and simply refresh may be a crucial element in preserving emotional wellbeing. In fact, exercise is often recommended as a tool in managing or minimizing the affects of anxiety and depression.
- Avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation. While an occasional glass of wine has been said to have health benefits, it is also a nervous system depressant that can diminish your quality of sleep and affect your temperament over time. If you have a history of substance abuse, or if such issues run in the family, avoiding alcohol altogether might be the wisest route to take.
- Reach out for support. While speaking with a trusted friend or family member about your struggles can absolutely lighten the load, consider if it might also be advantageous to connect with a professional to discuss other options. A doctor, counselor, psychiatrist. Or mental health coach could offer additional insight and suggest treatment plans to assist in your wellness journey.
Recognizing your struggle to maintain mental health is the first step to gaining ground in the battle. Being honest about where you are at, utilizing some of the suggestions above, and seeking out support from family, friends, or a professional can help to protect and strengthen your emotional wellbeing.
Which steps do you need to take to promote your mental health today?
