Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being contributes to your way of life. These elements make up your mental health, and during times of uncertainty, they make a difference in how you cope and move forward during stressful situations like a pandemic. Your mental health is crucial to making choices about how you take care of yourself and how you relate to others.
During a pandemic, uncertainty is high, and when things change without notice, it is challenging to make decisions under pressure. Keeping your mental health in check by learning ways to improve your emotional well-being is essential to helping yourself get through challenging times.
Why Is Mental Health is Essential?
Mental health is essential because it helps you in many ways. When practicing positive and healthy habits, you learn productive ways to cope with stress. You’re more likely to engage in healthy physical activities. Good mental health promotes healthy relationships with people you know, including family, friends, and coworkers. You’ll make contributions to your work, family, and community that are meaningful and beneficial. People with good mental health are more productive and understand their potential to do good for themselves and others.
How to Improve Mental Health
How can you improve your mental health? While many ways seem easy and effortless, it is worth noting that some require practice and persistence. Even during challenging times, it is essential to know how to stay on top of your mental health. Here are a few things to consider others found helpful when making improvements to their mental health:
• Focus on being positive more often. In many cases, it may include finding a balance between positive and negative feelings. Sure, you’ll have moments when things are difficult or when you feel angry or sad. It is essential to express your emotions, but try not to dwell on the past or worry too much about things you can’t control. When you have positive feelings, hold on to them.
• Know when to take a break from negativity. Sometimes being around people, following social media, or even news reports filled with negative details can be discouraging. Keep false information and rumours at bay and avoid comparing your lifestyle to others.
• Be thankful and practise gratitude. Think about things you are grateful for in your life, including the people you care about and your accomplishments. You can practice by writing what you are thankful for, devoting a few moments each day to meditate on such thoughts, and consider the good when you feel stressed or depressed. Practising gratitude encourages positive emotions.
• Focus on physical health. Practice self-care by engaging in activities that promote good mental and physical health. Your mental and physical health are related and play an intricate role in your wellbeing. Engage in regular exercise, get plenty of sleep, and eat healthy foods to promote good emotional health.
• Stay socially connected. Having social support is essential to your mental health. You can get involved in support groups, go out with friends and family, and have a social outlet when you need to talk. Consider volunteering and joining groups associated with your favourite interests.
• Learn more about your therapy options. Here is a good read on a potential therapeutic solution: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-is-trauma-focused-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/
Other ways to improve your emotional health may include learning coping skills to help you deal with stress. Define and develop purpose and meaning in your life by exploring new people, new skills, and your spirituality. Learn relaxation techniques such as guided imagery and deep breathing exercises. Engage in meditation and mindfulness techniques to practice self-awareness. Know when to speak up and get help if you have a mental health concern, including therapy or contacting your doctor.
About the author:
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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