As we wrap up May, mental health awareness month, I thought it fit to give practical and effective ways of how you can take care of your mental health. I’ve got six! Let’s break down each of them.
1. Get outside
Do you ever feel cooped up being stuck in the house all day, or sitting at your office desk typing away? It’s such an uncomfortable feeling, and staying in such an environment for a long time can impact your mental health negatively. I recommend making time to get outside. I remember back in 2021 when I was having my campus classes online from home. I would take time in the morning to get outside and walk. I can witness that this had a positive effect on my mental health. At the moment, I make good use of my lunchtime at work, to just get outside and walk a bit. Get outside, and feel the wind and sunlight against your skin, you will feel better, I promise.
2. Incorporate movement into your routine
If you haven’t begun to incorporate workouts into your routine, it’s about time you do so. Exercise has been linked to having amazing results, not only for your physical well-being but also your mental well-being. When you exercise, your body secretes endorphins, otherwise known as feel-good hormones. These hormones help to lower stress and ease tension, helping you feel much better overall.
If you are just a beginner and don’t know where to start with exercise, allow me to recommend this post I did a while back. I share three simple exercises you can start with to be more active. Start small, then build up from there.
3. Find community
You cannot do life alone! It was never meant to be that way! We all need community! We all need each other!
Most times, it’s the actions of people that lead us into dark places mentally, but I do believe that people’s actions can also help us heal mentally.
Studies have shown that those who live in a community are much happier and healthier mentally.
The wrong people hurt and damage, the right ones heal and make us feel whole again.
It may take some time, especially if you have been deeply hurt by people in the past, but I recommend that you try, slowly by slowly to let people in once again. One day, you will find your tribe and they will help you break down your walls, slowly by slowly.
There are tons of online communities you can join, but I would recommend getting to know real people, in real life. The ones you can see, touch and speak to face to face. The right community heals, helps you feel less alone, and supports you, hence, leading to better mental health.
4. Check who you surround yourself with
Do a friendship audit, and do it honestly. Who are the people who stir you up, inspire you, make you laugh, and make you feel like you belong? Keep those ones.
For the ones who do the opposite, start setting up boundaries and distancing yourself, especially if you cannot avoid them.
Your environment, especially those you often surround yourself with, highly influences how you will be doing mentally.
5. Filter out the things you watch/listen to
It may sound woo-woo or far-fetched, but the things you watch and listen to highly affect your mental well-being. I remember there was a time I was really into these housewives shows, like the Real Housewives of Atlanta. If you have seen even one scene of these kinds of shows, you know that there is a lot of fighting, drama, yelling, cussing each other out and even throwing things at each other.
It's crazy because the more I got into these shows, the more I began to emulate their behaviors. I found myself being more combative, and even in my mind, I was less at peace and always ready to fight.
The same goes for music. If you are constantly listening to music that talks of violence and degrading people, your mind is being shaped to think in this way, and this will begin to affect your mental well-being negatively.
I recommend listening to music that edifies and inspires. Music that lifts your mood or calms you down. Music is therapy for your soul and mind, so listen to tunes that do just that.
6. Seek God or professional help, or both
Honestly, finding God and getting to know who He truly is, has been game-changing. When you know your creator, you will understand how you, his creation, are wired to function, which is in close and constant fellowship with Him. When you know God, it doesn't mean that you won't meet difficulties in life. It just means that even when you do, you have the assurance that He is taking care of you, He is in control and He promises to give you peace, even in the midst of your turmoil.
If you want to know more about what I am talking about, Read this post I did about two years ago. I share how to find a relationship with God. And once you find Him, nobody can take that away from you.
Also, I recommend seeking professional help. There is no shame in doing this, seeking help is actually a sign of strength. When we choose to be strong and courageous, to face our demons and accept that we need help, then go ahead to seek it, we are well on our way to healing.
That’s all I have got for today. This will be the last post in commemoration of May, Mental Health Awareness Month.
I hope that you have taken the opportunity this month to become aware, and even create awareness of mental health issues in your spaces and community.
I also hope my posts this month have helped you in some way, in terms of creating awareness of mental health issues.
I'll see you on the next one!
xoxo
BK💚
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