The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, but there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Now that things are starting to look up, you may find yourself thinking once more about your future. If your future plans don’t include steps to improve your mental health, you may want to think again. Mental health is just as important as physical health, but men are more likely than women to avoid seeking treatment. Make the most of 2021 and take simple steps to improve your mental health.
Here are 5 simple tips to help you take control of your mental health this year:
1. Make an effort to maintain healthy relationships.
After a year of social distancing, you may be eager to restart your social life. Through in-person events still may have their risks, there are other ways you can keep in touch. Studies show that people who are more socially engaged tend to be happier, so make an effort to connect with friends and family by phone, by email, or in person when it is safe to do so.
2. Practice mindfulness meditation on a daily basis.
Stress comes and goes even in the best of times, but the past year has been particularly trying. If you find yourself struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, consider adding mindfulness meditation to your daily routine. Mindfulness meditation is easy to learn, and it can help you gain insight into your emotional and mental health while also improving your attention and concentration. It takes just 15 minutes a day and you can learn it quickly through smartphone apps and online videos.
3. Be mindful of your media consumption.
It’s important to stay up to date with current events but spending too much time on social media can be draining on your mood and on your mental health. Try to limit the amount of time you spend on social media and be aware of how it affects your emotions and your mental state. When you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, log off and give your brain a break.
4. Make exercise part of your weekly routine.
As the weather warms up, you may find yourself eager to spend more time outdoors. Take advantage of the nice weather and start adding a little exercise to your weekly routine. Exercise can improve your mental health by helping you reduce stress, overcome anxiety, improve cognitive function, and more. Start your day with a walk or head outside on your lunch break.
5. Seek professional help when you need it.
Asking for help can be difficult but it’s well worth the effort. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or overly stressed, it may help to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. You can also find a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist who can help you learn coping skills to manage stress and mental health symptoms and provide you with medication if necessary.
It’s impossible to predict what the next year has in store and you can’t always control the details of your everyday life. What you can control, however, is how you respond in the face of challenges and how well you prepare yourself for those challenges by improving your mental health. Follow the tips above and start making your mental health a priority in 2021.
*This is a guest post but the author didn’t want any credit which I found different. yet there is some good information here so here it is.
