In this increasingly fast-paced and stress-filled world, managing your mental health has become more critical than ever before. There are so many ways that life takes a toll on your emotional well-being it’s therefore very important that you make every effort to remain mentally healthy and strong.
As you seek to manage your mental health there is no one size fits all strategy. It may look different at different points in life depending on where you are on your journey. For some, caring for their mental health may be just ensuring a consistent night routine. For others, it could be eating three fulfilling meals a day and for others it may be just spending quiet moments in the Word of God. What is important is finding a strategy or strategies that work for you.
Here are eight (8) simple strategies you can incorporate in your day-to-day routine to help us take care of and maintain your mental wellbeing:
Stay Connected to God
Christians and believers are not immune to mental health issues but with God, you can cope better. It’s important to know that you can give Him everything. You can cry in His presence, you can grieve in His presence, you can rant in His presence, you can release your frustrations to Him … God is not intimidated or confused by your anger. He understands. You must therefore stay connected to Him through reading the word consistently, praying, fasting, attending church regularly and sharing His goodness with others.
Prioritize self-care
Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. To start, block self-care time on your calendar. Even if it is only for 15 minutes. Making self-care a part of your routine is key!. Call a friend, listen to music, enjoy outside,
take short naps or go to bed early, Journal, Meditate etc.
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy body often leads to a healthier mind, therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not only impact your body but your mind as well, enabling you to better equipped to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Having a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensure you're getting enough sleep are all important to maintaining a healthy mind.
Practice Gratitude:
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for what you have and who you have in your life. Being grateful will help you to stay grounded and reduce stress.
Additionally, expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve your sleep, mood and boost your immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease (Amanda Logan- nurse practitioner Family Medicine in Janesville, Minnesota).
Nurture your Relationships
Strong, supportive relationships are essential for maintaining good mental health.
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups when you're struggling. Sharing your feelings can be therapeutic and help you feel less isolated.
Seek professional help if needed.
Stress, anxiety and feeling down are a part of everyday life, but if those emotions linger, it may be a sign of something more. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide essential support and treatment options for mental health conditions.
Stay Active
According to research physical activity can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Get up and move. Find a hobby. Even a short walk can make a big difference in your mood. Start with simple activities like stretching at home or walking around your neighborhood then gradually increase your activity.
Learn to Say 'No'
Don't overcommit yourself. It's okay to decline additional responsibilities if they're causing excessive stress. Although it can be challenging, learning your limits may improve your relationships and self-compassion and help you manage your stress level more efficiently.
Including these practical activities in your day-to-day will change your life for the better as they help you maintain your mental health.
Question: Which of these items are easiest for you to implement?
Action Items
Take out your phone, journal or book and enter them into your calendar as reminders to getting started.
For further reading get your copy of my book 'Struggles of the Mind - Poetic Conversations to Improve Your Mental Health': https://www.amazon.com/Struggles-Mind-Poetic-Conversations-Improve/dp/1953759505/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1699407051&refinements=p_27%3AChevonette+James-Henry&s=books&sr=1-1
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