May is Mental Health Awareness Month and let us not miss this chance to make it the most memorable one. This is when we realize that mental wellness is something that requires our constant attention. The path to building mental wellness is through a holistic approach that involves our daily life components. This article will throw some light on the journey to cultivating mental wellness.
Your Journey to Cultivating Mental Wellness
Now you may ask why are these steps so important? Well, according to the Economic Times, over 60 million people in India suffer from some sort of mental illness. To add more, Statistics show that 1 in every 5 individuals suffers from some form of mental health illness symptoms. 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24.
Prioritize Self-Care
The road to mental health starts with self-care. While you are busy with several things, do you have time to do something for yourself? Well, guess what? This Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder for you to recharge your mind and body by attending to your hobbies or taking a walk outside. Do not forget that self-care is not selfish at all, but it forms an integral part of mental health.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Practicing mindfulness during stress reduction methods can really help boost your mental alertness and emotional resilience. Try to engage in weight training, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga etc. as these can create a peaceful aura around you. Stress management techniques will help you prevent the stress from developing into more serious mental illnesses.
Balanced Lifestyle
All the aspects of your life need to be balanced and it is the key to mental health. Therefore, having in mind a daily balanced diet, some exercise and sleep, try to stick to your plan. Mental as well as physical health are of equal importance, therefore you must not neglect them. Make sure to do activities that boost your energy.
Appreciate Gratitude and Positive Thinking
Keeping up with a productive mindset can change how we think about ourselves and others. Starting this mental health awareness month, sit back, take a few minutes to put down your thoughts and emotions. Every day at night, take a journal, list down the things that you are thankful for, and try to appreciate the positive things in your life. Developing an optimistic attitude makes you more resilient and it positively affects your overall mental health during your hard times.
Engage in Meaningful Activities
During your journey to cultivating mental wellness, do whatever that makes you happy from the inside. Whether it is volunteering, engaging in some hobby, or even pursuing a passion project. You can spend your time on anything that makes you feel purposeful and adds a meaning to your life. Engaging in meaningful activities helps in maintaining an emotional balance and allows individual satisfaction.
Disconnect and Unplug
The greatest advantage of today’s digital age is the heightened level of interactivity. However, that can be daunting and destructive for your mental health. This mental health awareness month, detach yourself from screens and technology and just try being in the present. You don’t need to stalk that person on social media and get depressed again. It gives you literally nothing but a feeling of being unproductive. In social media posts, we see everyone being so happy, travelling, trying out new food and you often compare your life with them. So, the first step is to mute such content and then just uninstall that app from your phone. You’ve got better things to do in life.
Build Supportive Relationships
Maintaining and building wholesome relationships is a very important part of your mental health. Throughout your journey to cultivating mental wellness, build supportive relationships with people who can understand you. Try having an open communication with your friends and family, expressing yourself and seeking the best support. Such strong relationships can shield you against all the stress and loneliness.
Establish Healthy Boundaries
This mental health awareness month, try saying NO to something you’ve always wanted to. Boundaries come along with the relationships that you make, be it your partner or even a friend. Setting boundaries is very important for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your mental space. Learn to say no when you feel overwhelmed and prioritize the things that clearly align with your values and goals. Respecting your boundaries help you to focus on what truly matters to your mental health and reduces unnecessary stress.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you are struggling with your mental health on a severe level, seek professional support as soon as possible. Asking for help doesn’t make you a weak person but only gives you strength.You may consult a therapist, a counsellor, or a psychiatrist. A mental health professional can give you the proper insights for steering the challenges and acquiring healthier coping practices.
Embrace Imperfection and Self-Compassion
Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. Accept imperfections as an integral part of a human life. As a human, you are not supposed to be perfect. You can make mistakes, try to learn from them. Have self-compassion while facing difficult situations. Don’t be hard on yourself, just treat yourself the same way you would’ve treated a friend who needed help. Be empathetic and understanding to yourself, be your own best friend.
By including these ten practices in your life, you can start your journey to cultivating mental wellness. Remember that a small change can make a big impact on your life.
