What do we mean by the term “Mental health?” is not one but many aspects of our being, which includes our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Lately, financial well-being has also been linked to mental health by some specialists, along with the three others categories mentioned above. Our mental health will dictate the general way we feel, our thought processes, and our actions as we deal with the daily challenges of an increasingly stressed-out life that is why knowing mental health facts and how to improve mental health are extremely important.

 

No matter how you look, how much you weigh, how much you earn, where you work, or what you do, nothing changes the fact that each and every individual needs to be mindful and take care of their mental well-being, as it affects all of us. Concerns around mental health should not just be centred on adults alone, taking care of it is important for people of all ages and backgrounds, from children and adolescents to full-grown adults and the elderly: all of us have to take certain measures that can help us manage our mental health better.

 

Learning about yourself and your mental health, and keeping a watch on your emotions and thoughts, of it contributes to how well we cope with the everyday rigours of life, how well our professional and personal relationships shape out to be, and whether we remain physically active or not, if we are productive at work, how much we engage with and contribute towards our community, and whether or not we realise our full potential ultimately.

These past few years have been hard, to say the least, and all of us from all walks of life have suffered throughout the COVID pandemic. From frontline workers working overtime while risking their lives to young people missing school for years, and family members unable to see each other, the impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the world. The state of mental health suffered at large as people with existing mental health conditions could not access mental health services physically during lockdowns, and more people developed mental health conditions on top of that owing to the countless stresses of lockdown and isolation.

It is completely understandable if you or someone you know is having a hard time managing your mental health presently, it’s normal to feel scared and anxious before returning to work again or facing society at large.

However, no matter what situation and mental headspace you find yourself in and whether you are in Delhi or anywhere else, you are the only person who has the actual power to look after your mental health and well-being.

It’s important to take care of yourself and get the most from life. Below are 9 practical ways to look after your mental health. Making simple changes to how you live doesn’t need to cost a fortune or take up loads of time. Anyone can follow this advice. Why not start today?

  1. Talk about your feelings with friends, family, or a counsellor

The power of sharing should not be underestimated, share how you feel with your near and dear ones, and if you feel they are part of the problem: speak with a counsellor, there’s no medication involved, just a safe space for sharing your feelings and thoughts, this alone will help your mental health and help you deal with harder times.

It’s not a sign of weakness but taking charge of your well-being and a way to cope with a problem you’ve had for a while. You’ll be amazed at what opens out for you and others when you share how you feel.

  1. Exercise regularly

Every mental health professional will tell you that exercise is good for you, and with good reason. It releases chemicals in the brain that will lift your mood, boost self-confidence and improve your concentration and sleep patterns as well as keep your brain and other vital organs in good shape.

  1. Sleep

The benefits of getting sufficient sleep cannot be overstated, sleeping for seven to eight hours a day lowers stress, improves brain function, enhances memory, and keeps your overall state of being good, not to mention how important it is for your body too.

  1. Have a balanced diet

We are what we eat, and also how we feel.  Too much sugar and caffeine can alter your mental and physiological state almost immediately but your overall diet also has long-term effects on your mental health. Your brain will do well if you consume the right kind of nutrients. Any diet that’s good for your physical health is good for your mental health.

Lots of fruit and vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and water are most beneficial.

  1. Follow your hobbies, if you don’t have one, find one

Doing the things we truly enjoy releases serotonin in the brain, which is essentially the chemical reason behind feeling happy. If you like painting then paint, if it’s music that gets you going then rock it up, and if you don’t have a hobby, simply search up hobbies that are easy to do and beneficial for mental health, you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll have a new hobby.

  1. Go out and do something for someone

Book your parents a nice holiday, or cook dinner for your partner, or simply do something nice for a charity, giving to others gives back tenfold to us. You’re fortunate enough to understand mental health as a separate aspect of life that needs attention, but most people in our country have no inkling about it. You can simply talk to people who you feel are going through a hard time, and that will benefit both of you.

  1. Meditation

Some research suggests mediation helps control anger and negative feelings, while some research says it can actually harm your mental health, it’s not a one fit for all.

  1. be thankful for the good things

Put things in perspective and you’ll see how many good things are happening to you, just take note. Being thankful for being alive, being able, empathetic, having friends, family, pets, and good co-workers- there’s an endless amount of things you can be grateful for, and that can help combat depression, loneliness, and anxiety.

  1. Ask for help

Nobody is superhuman and if it’s getting too much and you can’t seem to cope, ask for help, don’t hesitate. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear, and there are always experts nearby.

with Dr. Priyanka Trivedi

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