6 Things to Value That Can Improve Mental Health

Mental health is something that is often taken for granted. Many people believe that if they are not suffering from a mental illness, then they must be fine. The truth is, however, that good mental health is something that needs to be actively maintained. Just like you would exercise or eat healthy to maintain your physical health, you need to do things in your life that support your mental well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss six things that you should value in order to improve your mental health!

When reading this blog, if you find the tips to be hard to implement despite trying, you may need to reach out for support from your doctor and or a mental health professional. It is important that you dont’ blame yourself or become self critical if things are not working out. There may be underlying issues that need to be addressed first and once corrected, you will have more success in implementing tips. 

#1: Setting Realistic Goals

One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to set realistic goals. When you set goals that are impossible to achieve, you are only setting yourself up for disappointment. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and depression. On the other hand, when you set achievable goals, you are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Make sure that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Additionally,  it is important to have both short-term and long-term goals. This will give you a sense of direction and something to work towards which can keep you feeling positive and motivated. Be sure to set goals that can be achieved bearing in mind your time and resources in life. The important factor to value during the goal journey is to find enjoyment in the process of reaching your goal as opposed to fixating on the final outcome. Overall however, setting goals is a great way to give you something positive to work towards which is great for improving your mental health.

#2: Taking Care of Your Physical Health

It is important to take care of your physical health not only for your body but also for your mind and emotional state. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which have mood-boosting effects. This can help to improve feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition, eating a healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. This can help to improve energy levels and concentration. Additionally, getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep can help to improve mood, memory, and overall cognitive function.

#3: Learning to Cope With Emotions Without Substances

It is normal to feel sad, anxious, or stressed from time to time. However, it is important to learn how to cope with these emotions in a healthy way. Some people turn to substances like alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their feelings. This might provide temporary relief but can often make things worse in the long run. Substance abuse in particular can lead to addictions which can then lead to  financial problems, relationship issues, and other health complications. Additionally, it can worsen symptoms of mental illness. As a result, instead of using substances to cope, try developing healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, journaling, spending time with friends or family, or therapy as a few alternatives.

#4: Doing Things that You Personally Value and are Passionate About

It is important to do things that you are passionate about and that align with your personal values. This can help you to feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life. When you are passionate about something, you are more likely to invest time and energy into it which can lead to a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, when you do things that align with your personal values, you are more likely to feel good about yourself. This is because you are living in a way that is consistent with what you believe in and are doing things that you value and are passionate about which can significantly improve mood, self-esteem, and overall mental health.

#5: Surrounding Yourself With Good Company

The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your mental health. If you spend time with people who are negative or who do not support your goals and values, you are more likely to feel down about yourself. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself, you are more likely to feel happy and supported. Additionally, it is important to have people in your life who you can rely on and who will support you through difficult times. These people can provide a listening ear, helpful advice, or just a shoulder to cry on which can be invaluable when dealing with mental health issues.

#6: Regularly Checking in on Your Mental Health

Just as you would schedule regular check-ups with your doctor or therapist, it is also important to regularly check in with yourself to see how you are feeling mentally and emotionally. This can help you to identify any early warning signs of mental illness and get treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, it can help you to catch any negative thought patterns or unhealthy coping mechanisms before they become too ingrained. Additionally, checking in with yourself on a regular basis can help you to monitor your progress and see how far you have come which can be very motivating.

Conclusion

In conclusion,  there are many things to value that can improve your mental health. These include setting realistic goals, taking care of your physical health, learning to cope with emotions without substances, doing things that you are passionate about, surrounding yourself with good company, and regularly checking in on your mental health. By making these things a priority, you can significantly improve your mental well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. Contact us today to get a free consultation or checkout our Google My Business Profile for more information. We would love to help you out.

Thanks for reading and all the best!