Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Unfortunately, you may sometimes forget about your mental health.
After all, it’s evident if you visit the gym instead of watching TV or eat salmon for dinner rather than fried chicken. How you treat your mind is usually less visible and more difficult to track.
To stay on top of things, it helps to develop easy habits that fit into your usual routines. That way, smart choices become more automatic. Use these tips to help you get started.
Taking Care of Yourself
Slow down
Multitasking increases your stress levels and can actually damage your brain. When you find yourself rushing around, take a deep breath. Figure out your priorities and eliminate unnecessary commitments.
Shift your attention
Do you dwell on disappointment
ts and overlook the positive events that happen each day? Start a gratitude journal to remind you of the things that you’re thankful for.
Listen to music
Your favorite songs can lift your spirits and give you more energy. Put together playlists for working out and doing household chores.
Spend time outdoors
Bask in the sunshine. If you’re working at home, bring your laptop out on the patio. Go camping or take a picnic to the beach on weekends.
Monitor media consumption
Disturbing news can weigh you down, and comparing yourself to others.
Reading that book can make you feel like you’re missing out. Search for inspirational content and set limits on screen time.
Continue learning
Stimulate your brain. Read books and take online courses. Talk with others about their careers and hobbies. Ask lots of questions.
Stay active
Physical exercise benefits your mind and body. Any routine you enjoy will help.
Rest and relax
Sleep deprivation and chronic stress can interfere with your mood and cognitive abilities.
Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night and take refreshing breaks throughout the day. Take time to reflect in solitude or enjoy soothing hobbies.
Value yourself
Love and accept yourself for who you are. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
Build your confidence by setting goals and working towards them.
For a quick assessment of your mental well-being, check out the TheraConnect Mental Health Quiz.
Connecting with Others:
Show appreciation
Strengthen your relationships by letting others know that they’re important to you.
Pay attention to what your friends and loved ones have to say.
Remember their birthdays and send gifts and cards for no special occasion.
Gather together
Online communications work well as a supplement rather than a substitute for face-to-face interactions.
Socialize offline with family dinners and standing dates with friends.
Practice forgiveness
Let go of grudges and resentments. Encourage reconciliation and healing.
Share a laugh
Humor relieves anxiety and depression and can even serve as a natural painkiller. Tell funny stories about your personal life and pass along your favorite video clips starring pets and babies.
Set boundaries
Make a conscious decision about how you want others to treat you and what kind of behavior you find acceptable.
This might include your expectations about privacy, communication, physical boundaries, and so on.
Then clearly let others know your wishes.
Give generously
You’ll feel a warm glow when you help someone in need.
Some research suggests that the mental health benefits are most substantial when you know the recipient. Donate to charities and remember your loved ones, too.
Develop your own mental health routines based on your personal needs and preferences. Nurturing your mind will help you enjoy a happier, more meaningful life.
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