Many of us take steps to maintain our physical health, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet. However, when it comes to mental health care, the strategies are less defined.
That is not to say we do not recognize the critical nature of mental health care. Research at Verywell Mind discovered that the majority of people place a high premium on their physical health in addition to their mental health. Nonetheless, 61% of respondents report spending more time on physical health than on mental health.
More and More People Are Neglecting Their Mental Health
Amy Morin, a therapist, understands firsthand how critical it is to take care of one’s mental health. She sees a lot of people who are having difficulties as a result of years of neglecting their psychological health. However, she sees this in her own life: if she does not prioritize mental health, people can feel the difference.
The following are five exercises that will help you improve your psychological health.
#1. Planning Fun Activities Every Week
Mental health experts frequently discuss “pleasant activity scheduling” in therapy. Essentially, this entails identifying an activity you want to undertake and scheduling it on your calendar. It could be as simple as scheduling a movie night at home. Even if you live alone, schedule it. The trick is to schedule it in the future so that you can look forward to it. You receive a second boost in your mood when you engage in that enjoyable activity, and a third boost afterward because you’ve created a positive memory. Schedule at least one enjoyable activity each week.
#2. Practicing Relaxation Activities Now and Then
It’s critical to understand how to relax both your mind and body. And passively watching television may not suffice. While you’re watching television, your muscles may remain tense and you may never completely relax your mind. Not to mention, many people scroll through social media while watching television, which can keep you on edge. You might be interested in learning yoga or meditation practices that will significantly reduce your stress. Additionally, you could learn and practice progressive muscle relaxation or breathing exercises. Whatever you do, schedule regular stress relief into your schedule.
#3. Performing Acts of Kindness Always Feels Great
While the goal of an act of kindness should not necessarily be personal gain, the reality is that you gain a great deal by being kind to others. When you show someone kindness, your brain produces feel-good hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin. You’ll improve both your own and the recipient’s moods. You could choose to perform one act of kindness each day and to show kindness to a different person. Alternatively, you could volunteer once a week with a particular organization.
#4. Establishing a Direct Link to Overall Well-Being by Being Grateful
When you experience and express gratitude, you gain a plethora of mental health benefits. According to research, gratitude has a direct correlation with overall well-being. Grateful people report fewer mental problems, higher levels of happiness, and sustained psychological well-being. While writing someone a letter of gratitude is one way to experience these benefits, you are not required to share your gratitude with anyone. Additionally, writing in a private journal can help you build mental strength.
#5. Focusing on Important Relationships
Social support is critical for mental health. So, it’s critical to invest time in the relationships that matter most in your life. Spend quality time with the people you care about, whether that means scheduling a date night with your partner or inviting your friends over for a weekly dinner night.