[Saints News] The Importance Of Prioritizing Mental Health

[luna~]

 

The Importance Of Prioritizing Mental Health

 

 

 

Miia R. Novak, Psy.D

 

When we work on improving our wellbeing, we often focus on cleaning up our eating habits or getting into shape. However, improving how we think or feel is just as important as working on our bodies, so it's important to start thinking about the different ways we can prioritize our mental health. Everyone says they’d like to take care of their wellbeing, but often forget that their mental health is also an important factor in reaching it. We put such high importance on excellent physical health, so why do we not do the same when it comes to mental health? 

 

It’s no secret that there is a stigma against mental health. Sometimes it’s easier to sweep problems under the rug rather than facing them head-on. Sometimes people feel ashamed to speak to someone. In the long run, though, that does nothing but cause more pain. For us to perform at our best, to be the person we want to be, we have to understand that taking care of ourselves mentally is a must. Allowing room in our lives for self-care, relaxation and self-forgiveness means that you can avoid the mental burnout that comes with life and its harshness it can throw at you.

 

In this article, we’re going to explore the different aspects one could and should follow when it comes to their mental health. Tips on how to help prioritize and guide the stressors of everyday life and strengthening your mental health along the way.

 

First and foremost, Accept that it is OK with not being OK.

 

One crucial step towards prioritizing and taking care of your mental health is to understand that it is okay to not be okay. In today’s day and age, we all know how easy it is to have any negative thoughts and feelings shoved to the back of our minds and try to distract ourselves in order not to think about them. We need to realize that it is perfectly okay to feel upset or sad or anxious and that it is perfectly okay to talk about it with someone. No one expects you to be happy at all times; it is certainly unrealistic to even fathom that. We all have bad days. So get the help and finding someone to talk to about it does not mean there is something wrong with you. It is a step that is above and beyond, a huge leap towards making things okay again. 

 

Be aware of that little voice inside you; does it work for or against you.

 

An important aspect of taking care of your mental health is to reconsider the way you talk to yourself - your inner voice. Everyone you know, at work, school or the coffee shop all have this voice in their head with which they converse. You talk to yourself nearly all the time. Unfortunately, for some, that voice can be negative. If that voice of yours is the case, it has a very harmful effect on how you process and on your mental health in general. Take for instance if you were to seek out a friend for advice. It would be shocking if your friend turned around and blamed you for all your problems. You’d have none of it. Somehow though, if that voice in your head said so, most find it acceptable. So by merely noticing that little voice, and changing those words to positivity - it can make a massive leap towards improving your mental health.

 

Understand that being able to say ‘No’ can be a good thing.

 

Most stress in life comes from one’s urge to take on tasks they cannot juggle effectively, creating this stressful feeling we’ve all endured at one point in our life. Saying no to something can feel like you’re letting someone down, but that simple word can make a huge difference if you feel like stress is a core problem. Saying no can be especially hard for those who want to help or love to be needed, but in the long run, it is a good way to reduce that stress in your life. Resist the urge to take on someone else’s responsibility.  

 

Make time for yourself.

 

There is a significant importance to having ‘me’ time and engaging with it as best you can. You need to take care of yourself if you want to able able to succeed. Self-care is different for everybody. What might work great for someone may not necessarily be the best option for you. Find an activity, exercise, or game that you enjoy and that makes you feel good about yourself. Hopefully, something that provides you with some relaxation and allows you to quiet your mind. Engaging in these activities allows us to remember that life isn’t just about the daily stress and that something as small as doing so will help you in the long run. Don’t allow your schedule to kick out that self-care continuously. Life does happen and has responsibilities but that does not mean we can’t find some time out for the care we deserve. 

 

Get some sleep.

 

We all had a moment in our lives where we’d sacrifice sleep to get work done or to spend time socializing with others. However, the lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your mental wellbeing. Research shows that if you do not get a sufficient amount of sleep that it can very well start affecting your mental wellbeing. Getting that sleep is very important.

 

Socialize!

 

Getting together for a few drinks with friends is another great way to strengthen your mental wellbeing. By interacting with friends, co-workers or family, it can affect our way of thinking and direct the ‘voice’ spoken about earlier. Going to the cinema, out to get coffee and food, or just relaxing at home with a few friends makes great strides and not many realize that. 

 

Speak to a professional.

 

One of the most important things, however, is to speak to someone whom you can relay anything that you feel is wrong in your life to. Be that a psychologist, like myself, or a councilor at work. They are there to help you through any thoughts you may have on whatever it is that affects your mental wellbeing. They are trained to deal in a variety of scenarios. Do not be afraid of seeking one, there is nothing wrong with reaching out to someone for help when you might need it the most. 

 

Do not suffer in silence, speak up when you feel down. It is okay to not be okay. Let yourself be heard.

 

Saints News

#ForSaintsBySaints