We hear the term ‘Mental Health’ almost on a daily basis across different media channels but do we actually take any steps to care for our mental health?
Most of us find ourselves consumed in the day’s tasks from the minute we wake up and at the end of the day, we fall asleep staring at our phone.. leaving no time to even think of our mental well-being! Issues that crop up in our lives are either swept under the carpet or over-thought – both polarising but equally terrible approaches to managing our mental health.
Unmanaged mental health issues often lead to bigger mental disorders over time like depression, chronic anxiety, suicidal ideations, or obsessive-compulsive neurosis. Nearly One Billion people globally suffer from some mental health issue, according to the latest data in 2022 from the World Health Organisation (WHO).. that’s 1 in 7 people suffering from some mental health disorder!
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It’s Time To Prioritise Your Mental Health!
Stress and anxiety in adults are widely prevalent in our fast-paced society today and may seem impossible to avoid, but it’s imperative to take care of your mental health. Even small actions like taking time out for yourself, meditating, or communicating with your loved ones could go a long way in helping you feel calmer. We’ve put together some tips that may help you care for your mental well-being effectively:
Meditate
Meditation is often prescribed as a cure-all panacea for mental health issues and for good reason. Meditation helps you step away from the noise in your mind and be in the present moment. Untangling yourself from the continuous loop of thoughts that run in your mind helps you feel calmer and relaxed as you begin to become aware of the patterns of your mind.
Meditation helps create a sense of separation between your thoughts and yourself. With regular practice, you no longer identify with every worry or anxious thought produced by your mind, and merely observe your thoughts and emotions as patterns of your mind.
Meditation has been backed by science to provide relaxation to both your body and mind as well as reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Numerous studies have highlighted the role of meditation in improving your mental as well as physical health.
Communicate with your loved ones
Your family and friends are your support system. They help in your overall development and motivate you to be the best version of yourself.
Spending time with loved ones gives a person a sense of security and belonging. Physical face-to-face communication (as opposed to digital) in today’s world, definitely helps reduce instances of depression and anxiety.
Studies have shown that spending time with one’s family helps reduce levels of stress and anxiety as well as boosts self-confidence. All these factors significantly improve a person’s mental health and lead to a better quality of life.
Eat healthy
It’s no secret that food affects our mood and state of mind. Some foods have a calming effect on us while some could potentially act as temporary stimulants.
While The Mayo Clinic states that food cannot exactly ‘cure’ your anxiety or stress, many foods have been proven to reduce anxiety. Many studies have reiterated this claim and substantially listed out the plethora of mental health benefits offered by certain food items.
Include healthy food items like fruits, green vegetables, yogurt, dark chocolate, foods rich in magnesium and B vitamins, and calming agents like Chamomile Tea in your diet to keep your anxiety at bay. Remember, you are what you eat!
Exercise Regularly
A regular exercise routine helps keep your physical and mental health in check. Many studies have suggested a positive link between regular exercise and good mental health. The exercise doesn’t have to be very strenuous. Just regular physical activity is good enough to boost your mood and for you to feel more enthusiastic and alert.
Physical activity helps release ‘feel-good’ neuro-transmitters like endorphins in your brain which make you feel better and put you in a better mood.
Get adequate sleep
Sleep issues trigger anxiety and constant anxiety also leads to trouble sleeping. To avoid getting into this vicious circle, one must make it a priority to get enough sleep by forming habits that lead to a regular peaceful sleeping pattern.
Set up a regular night-time routine that helps you get at least 8 hours of peaceful sleep. Reading a book while having a cup of chamomile tea before bed is a highly recommended self-care practice that helps you sleep well.
It’s important to take care of your mental health on a regular basis before it escalates to anything bigger. Recurrent symptoms of mental health disorders need proper medical intervention and care. If you feel you are unable to handle your anxiety or stress over prolonged periods of time, it would be advisable to meet a healthcare professional.
If you have any queries, feel free to get in touch with one of our well-qualified and trained professionals at DrSafeHands
Disclaimer: This website may contain general information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals. Readers should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a health or fitness problem or disease. Readers should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.
