Everyone needs to balance and re-balance themselves in their lives, especially when it comes to supporting their mental well-being. Every day is an opportunity to practice supporting your mental health in an easy, meaningful way. Here are some tips for daily practices you can do to improve and maintain mental wellness.
Value yourself
Treat yourself kindly and with respect, and avoid harsh self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favourite projects, or even consider broadening your horizons. Try doing daily crossword puzzles, take up gardening, take a dance lesson, learn to play an instrument, or practice another language. According to headtohealth.gov.au, recreation and relaxation activities help reduce stress.
Take care of your body
Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:
- Eat nutritious meals
- Avoid smoking and vaping
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise helps decrease depression and anxiety and improves mood
- Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.
Listen to supportive media
Whether you prefer podcasts or virtual meetings, there are multiple supportive forms of media and support that you can access online. There is plenty you can consider, here are just a few:
John de Ruiter is a spiritual guide who offers both in-person and virtual sessions where he explores the meaning of life and has open discussions on a number of topics. He also has a podcast where he offers an innovative voice for what he calls spiritual evolution.
On Being with Krista Tippett is another podcast that explores the topics of meditation, spiritual inquiry, social healing, and the arts.
There are also many online support groups available to provide a safe place to share your feelings.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., is an internationally known scientist, writer, and meditation teacher bringing mindfulness into the mainstream medicine of society.
Jon is the author of two best-selling books: Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness, and Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.
Surround yourself with good people
People with strong family and social connections tend to be healthier and happier than those without a proper support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out social activities where you can meet new people, such as clubs or classes.
Learn to manage stress
Whether we like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills such as practicing Tai Chi, exercise, nature walks, playing with your pet/kids, or trying journal writing to help reduce stress.
Quiet your mind every once in a while
Try meditating, mindfulness, and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and your outlook on life. This provides you with an opportunity to slow down and quiet down the racing thoughts inside your head.
Set realistic goals
Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down the steps you can take to realize your goals. It’s OK to aim high, but don’t overwhelm yourself. You’ll enjoy a much bigger sense of accomplishment and self-worth by taking small steps towards your goals.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs
It’s better to keep alcohol use to a minimum and to avoid other drugs. Sometimes, people use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate, but the truth is that alcohol and other drugs can make the problem worse. An occasional drink is OK, but don’t use it to cope with stress and anxiety.
Get help when you need it
As much as you can take steps to improve your mental well-being, there is a time and a place to seek out help. If you’re struggling to cope, seek out the appropriate care and get the proper support needed for you to live a healthy life.