Mental Health

What’s the best way to look at mental health? Simple answer. There isn’t one. It varies per person.

But let me just say this; I completely understand the feelings of isolation and the lack of taste/appetite of the world around you that often accompany it. As someone who has personally experienced the ups and downs of mental health, I know how hard it can be to prioritize your own wellbeing and self-care. Mental health is an issue that affects countless individuals around the world and it often goes unnoticed or undealt with because of the stigma and lack of awareness that are attached to it. Many of us spend our days trying to juggle a million tasks at once and often forget to take the time to stop and focus on our own mental health. But caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health, and when we make time to nourish our minds we gain a greater sense of clarity, resilience, and self-fulfilment.

 

I’ve found that there are many small ways to begin to take better care of your mental health. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to take part in physical exercise. Physical exercise is any activity to train your body. Yet, while active you have the chance to acknowledge and accept your thoughts, allowing them to pass without attaching yourself to them. Doing physical exercise is a great way to start to eliminate the negative thoughts and feelings that can often lead to low self-esteem and depression.

 

For me, another essential way I’ve been able to take better care of my mental health is to get out into nature. Taking time to actively be around nature through mowing, streaming, backyard projects with my father or helping my mother with the gardening, helps to create a greater sense of purpose and clarity. I make sure to take the time to get out into nature whether that be going for a morning cycle, hiking on a mountain, buying meals and food on foot instead of getting it delivered to my door. Taking time to get out into nature allows me to de-stress and reassess recent progress after a long day.

 

I’ve also found that spending time with close friends and family is a great way to nurture your mental health. Social connections are incredibly important for both physical and mental wellbeing. Being around people who encourage and inspire you can provide a much-needed outlet to relax, recharge, and be yourself. Whenever I find myself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I try to reach out to a close friend or family member to spend some quality time together. Simply talking and having a laugh with someone I trust can do wonders for my mental state.

 

The most important thing I’ve learned is that taking care of your mental health is an ongoing journey. It’s not something you can achieve overnight but it’s a lifelong process that requires commitment and dedication. We all need reminders to make this journey a priority and to stay focused on our wellbeing. There may be days when you struggle but there are also moments of joy and clarity to be found. Taking care of your mental health is something that is truly worth investing in and I hope this post can serve as a reminder for us all to make self-care a top priority in our lives.