Mental health means how you feel and think, and how you get along with others. It changes the way we think, feel, do things, make decisions, and connect with people.
Mental health is not just about not having a mental illness.
It is really important for your overall health and how good your life is.
Taking care of yourself can help keep your mind healthy and aid in your healing if you have a mental illness.
About Self-Care
Taking care of yourself means doing things that make you feel good and help you stay healthy both in your body and mind.
When it comes to keeping your mind healthy, taking care of yourself can help you handle stress, reduce your chances of getting sick, and boost your energy levels.
Even doing small things to take care of yourself in your everyday life can make a big difference.
Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:
- Get regular exercise. Even Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help you by boosting your mood and improving your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so do not be discouraged if you cannot do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and make sure you stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you are getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Do something that helps you relax and calm down. Try out relaxation or wellness programs or apps that may include things like meditation, relaxing your muscles, or doing breathing exercises. Make sure to set aside regular times for doing healthy activities that you like, such as journaling.
- Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night or replay them in your mind.
- Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
Taking care of yourself is different for every person, and it is important to discover what makes you feel good and happy.
You might need to try different things to find what works for you.
Also, even though self-care cannot completely cure mental illnesses, knowing what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what exercises or strategies help you can assist in managing your mental health.