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A Guide to Supporting Mental Well-Being: Strategies & Inspiration

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Chris
Christiline is a natural health enthusiast passionate about clean eating and a healthy lifestyle. She shares tips, inspiration, and personal insights to help others live healthier lives.
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Note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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A GUIDE ON HOW YOU CAN DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND BE ON YOUR ROAD TO MENTAL WELLNESS

Dealing with mental health issues can be life changing and very difficult like many other health issues.  However, there are strategies and inspirations that can eventually lead to mental wellbeing.  Always remember to seek professional guidance first as this is important.  Then incorporate these additional strategies and inspirations to help you on your wellness journey.

SELF-COMPASSION

Always think of yourself as being the first in everything you do.  In so doing treat yourself with kindness and understanding similar to how you would treat your own children, parents, or friends.  Byh being self-compassionate, this will help you exude a sense of worthiness and thereby reduce your self-judgement.  This will allow you to navigate your challenges more effectively.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Physical exercise is very important to your mind, body, and soul.  It is one of the key components of having an overall well-being.  Engage in regular exercise as this will keep your mind very active and alert.  Eat a balanced diet that is within the food glead roups (proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and ensure you get adequate sleep -that is eight or more hours.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

Practice these two things to cement yourself in the moment.  This will enhance your self-awareness, reduce repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings and distress and their causes and consequences.  This will lead to further depression or anxiety and can worsen existing conditions.

FOSTERING POSITIVE SOCIALIZATION

Surround yourself with supportive and understanding family or friends who understand your illness.  This will provide a sense of belonging and strengthen your emotional well-being.

TRY TO CREATE A CREATIVE OUTLET

Try to engage in activities that bring out the creative side of you.  Whether it is art, music, writing, or any form of expressing yourself.  These outlets can be a form of therapy and they will also help you to release your emotions.

SETTING GOALS

Don’t be afraid to set goals for yourself.  How about setting goals that are achievable and realistic?  Whether short or long term, goals give you a sense of purpose in your life and help to boost your self-esteem.  They also provide direction even though you’re dealing with some challenging times with your sickness.

LEARN TO MINIMIZE STRESSORS

Stress is unhealthy for everyone’s overall well-being and so identifying what is stressing you is important.  Do your best to minimize stresses such as setting healthy boundaries, learning good time management skills, and avoid things that trigger unnecessarily.  Take for instance you are to reach your doctor’s appointment at 9:00 am.  Leave your home by 7:00 am.  That is if you live an hour from your doctor’s office.  You have an extra hour to navigate the traffic and any unforeseen circumstances,  Practice these little tips.  They sure will lessen some of the stresses in your life.

ENJOYING NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS

Did you know that spending your time in nature has a peaceful and calming effect?  Yes, it does.  Take walks, they don’t have to be long walks.  Just a simple 15-20 minutes walk will help.  Sit outdoors  to relish the serenity of the world around you.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

In everything give thanks.  This is an old adage.  Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the good and positive things happening in your life.  You can play with the idea to have and keep a gratitude journal.  Having this journal will assist you to stay ahead of the positive aspects of your life.

ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Consult with your therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists.  These people will and can provide advice that are for the betterment of your treatments.  They are there to help you and offer a safe environment to deal with your inner thoughts and emotions.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Knowledge is power so educating yourself about your mental illness is commendable.  You’ll be better able to understand what your condition is and also what you maybe experiencing.  In this way you can make informed decisions and actively participate in your own well-being.

JOIN SUPPORT GROUPS

Why not consider joining some form of support groups?  Connecting with others who are dealing with mental health issues similar to you, will convince you that this illness is not only confined to you, but that there are other people dealing with it.  You can share your stories and insights and this can comfort you knowing you are not alone in this struggle.

TRY PRACTICING RESILIENCE

Yes, it is true.  You’re going through some struggles and challenges with your mental health.  But, be resilient.  Understand that setbacks are a natural part of life and your health is no different.  When you practice resilient it involves adapting and learning from your struggles and challenges which ultimately will lead to your personal growth.

INCORPORATE LAUGHTER AND JOY

When you laugh the world laughs with you.  This is so correct.  Engage in activities that will make you laugh and bring joy.  For example, play a game of luddie, dominoes, card game and others.  Laughter is a powerful way of releasing tension and boosting your mood.

TAKE SMALL STEPS

Rome was not built in one day neither in the world.  Don’t overwhelm yourself by aiming for big changes to happen overnight.  But, instead set your goals into smaller, manageable steps.  By doing this you can foster a sense of achievement.

Always remember that everyone’s journey to overall health takes different turns.  What might work for one person may not work similarly for you.  It is a process where you implement, try and see what helps you.  Be patient with yourself and celebrate any progress you make no matter how small.  You are and should not be defined by your mental health issues.  There is definitely hope for a bright future.  Just be strong and have the willpower to stay the course.