10 Ways to Maintain Good Mental Health

Our mental health and wellbeing are as important as our physical health. By maintaining good mental health, you can function better, have positive self-esteem, have great relationships, and cope with the ups and downs of life properly. This is especially important amid a pandemic where our physical and mental health has been negatively affected.

But how can you keep your mental health in check? Based on expert advice by psychologists, here are 10 ways you can maintain good mental health.

1. Stay Positive

The first step to follow is through trying your best to maintain a positive outlook. You can do this by:

● Finding a balance between your positive and negative feelings. Staying positive doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t ever feel negative emotions, like anger or sadness. You should feel them to move on from tough situations, though you wouldn’t want them taking over.

● When you do feel positive emotions, hold on and embrace them for as long as you can

● Take breaks from any negative information, such as today’s news or logging in on social media.

2. Practice Gratitude

You can start doing this by feeling thankful for everything you have in your life. It’s best and effective to follow this tip daily, either through thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it in your journal.

You can think about the big things you appreciate, like the support you receive from loved ones, or even the small things, such as having a delicious meal. Give yourself the time and space to enjoy your positive experiences, which will help you see life differently.

3. Take Care of Physical Health

Your mental and physical health are connected, so make sure to take care of both. You can take care of your physical health by following these tips:

● Star physically active, as exercise can reduce stressful and depressive feelings while improving mood

● Get enough sleep, as sleep affects your mood. The less sleep you get, the more likely you feel moody. Furthermore, lack of quality sleep may result in depression

● Eat healthily! Proper nutrition would help you feel physically and mentally well, improving your mood while decreasing stress and anxiety. Also, if you lack certain nutrients, it contributes to mental illnesses.

4. Connect with Others

We are social creatures and it’s crucial to maintain strong and healthy relationships. With great social support, you become protected by the effects of stress.

It’s also important to have various connections, and not just with family and friends. It’s great to be involved in the local community, even volunteering in organizations or joining groups that love the hobbies you do.

5. Have a Purpose

Without purpose, then you might be stuck doing the same old routine without knowing what you want, making life boring and dreary. Develop a sense of meaning to your life, may it be through volunteering, your job or academics, learning new things, exploring spirituality, and many more.

6. Develop Coping Skills

Coping skills are methods used so you can deal with tough situations healthily. There are many healthy coping mechanisms to try, depending on what works best for you. By honing your coping skills, you can face problems and take appropriate action, so you can be flexible and find solutions without giving up too easily.

7. Meditate

This is a mind and body practice which helps with your focus and awareness. There are different kinds of meditation, such as transcendental and mindfulness meditation. In general, meditation would involve the following:

● Being in a quiet location without any distractions

● Staying in a specific and comfy posture

● Focusing your attention on your breathing, word, object, or anything specific

● Having an open attitude to allow distractions to come and go naturally and not mind them

8. Follow Relaxation Techniques

There are various relaxation techniques and practices to try, which can produce a natural relaxation response from your body. Such techniques would slow down one’s breathing, lowering blood pressure, reducing muscle tension, and lowering stress levels. Here are a few relaxation practices to follow:

● Progressive relaxation involves tightening and relaxing your muscle groups, using breathing exercises or mental imagery at times

● Guided imagery involves focusing on positive things in mind to keep you focused and relaxed

● Biofeedback involves using electronic devices to help you control bodily function like breathing, muscle tension, heart rate, and the like

● Self-hypnosis involves getting yourself in a relaxed and trance-like state as you listen to suggestions or see certain cues

● Deep breathing exercises, focusing on slowing down your breaths, breathing deeply and evenly

9. Have a Good Work Environment

If you work in an office, then ask your employer if the company can implement measures to prevent and lower stress levels while improving the work environment. Here are some measures your workplace can adapt:

● Hold regular team meetings

● Encourage the employees to join company activities

● Plan training programs for employees

● Establish recognition systems for all employees’ participation and productivity

● Establish measures to prevent psychological harassment and to promote civility at work

10. Take a Break

A change of scenery and away from your fast-paced, busy life will do wonders for your mental health. It can be something as simple as a 5-minute break from doing chores, or a longer lunch break when at work. It can also be a weekend road trip or a few weeks’ vacations in a whole new country!

Give yourself the time and space to destress and let go of the negativity, so you feel energized once you’re back home. Give yourself that ‘me time’ you deserve!

Wrapping It Up

There are many other measures you can follow to maintain good health, and it all boils down to reducing your stress levels and focusing on YOU and the positive vibes. By following these tips and staying consistent with them, you will notice that you have a better outlook in life and can also function better, both physically and mentally.

So don’t wait any longer and do follow these tips and start your journey towards better mental wellbeing. Good luck and stay positive!