Steps To Improve Your Overall Mental Health

By Afolabi Rachel

16 October 2022   |  
12:30 pm

Everyone, at some point in our lives, loses their spark and their enthusiasm when we are at our lowest and things just don’t seem right. To be honest, we have had our share of down moments. You may have even failed at something you’ve been working on for a while, which hurt you badly. You’ve…

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Everyone, at some point in our lives, loses their spark and their enthusiasm when we are at our lowest and things just don’t seem right. To be honest, we have had our share of down moments.
You may have even failed at something you’ve been working on for a while, which hurt you badly. You’ve become anxious because of hearing about all the negative things that occur nearby, in your immediate environment, or in the media, leading to a downward spiral towards depression. Never forget that sometimes it’s okay to not be okay, but that such times are just fleeting and only last for a little while.

During these down moments, it is important that you care for yourself not only physically, and financially but also mentally.
Our mental health is so important that it plays a huge part in how we carry out all of our other activities.
HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

REALIZE THAT YOU NEED HELP: Sometimes, we feel very down and don’t want to admit that we do need help. It’s not awful to acknowledge that one’s mental condition is the cause of how one is feeling. We are completely submerged in water and our minds are racing. It’s not a crime to say we need help. In fact, it takes a strong-hearted person to ask for help.

OPEN UP: When you are not at your best, you can always reach out to someone who is trustworthy. It’s better to share it than to keep it all bottled up. A problem shared, they say, is half solved. You can meet with a counsellor or a therapist.

TAKE A BREAK: Find your stress factors and be intentional about staying away from them. It is easy to get frustrated and fatigued when burnt out. When it happens, try to take a break by sleeping or going on a vacation.
Take a break from every stress and activity that is draining you. Sometimes, a well-deserved rest will do your body so much better than Netflix can.

STAY AWAY FROM NEGATIVE/TOXIC PEOPLE OR THINGS: If there’s one thing you need to help yourself with in making yourself sane, it is doing away with toxicity in the form of people or things. Toxic people will only make you feel less of yourself. And make sure you check yourself too to ensure that you are not a toxic person yourself. Being mean to others will not make you feel any good.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE: Seriously, this is one big secret to improving your mental health. Your productivity will improve when you get involved in what you love. Make a list of those activities you love when you’ve got the chance, or do them with friends.
Studies have shown that staying indoors and not being productive for weeks can affect your mental health. Not being exposed to sunlight can bring down your mood. Go out and get some fresh air!

BE KIND, HELP OTHERS: I don’t know if you’ve felt this before, but there’s this joy that comes with putting a smile on others’ faces. Be the reason people dream of waking up another day. Wondering how to start? You can volunteer, teach a person, say kind words, encourage others and show love in whatever way you think is best. This has an effect on you as well because kindness releases the happiness hormone.