Improving your mental health is an ongoing process that involves various aspects of self-care and well-being. Developing daily habits that prioritize mental health can have a positive and lasting impact.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the two are closely interconnected. Whatever is going on in the mind will eventually express itself in the body. If the mind is healthy, the body will also continue functioning the way it is supposed to, for our health and wellbeing. The more we cultivate positive, healthy habits for our mental wellbeing, the more we will nurture a sense of resilience, peace, clarity, and strength to discharge our duties, fulfil our responsibilities and achieve our goals. Mental Health is all about learning how to make empowering choices every day so you can feel your best and thus give your best to everything.
A person with excellent physical health may still struggle to find happiness and fulfilment if their mental health is neglected. Conversely, good mental health enhances life satisfaction and enjoyment. Hence both physical and mental health significantly contribute to your overall quality of life.
Relationships: Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of good mental health. Mental health affects your ability to connect, communicate, and empathize with others. Building and maintaining strong social connections is crucial for both mental and physical health.
Work and Productivity: Mental health significantly impacts work and productivity. Employees with good mental health tend to be more focused, motivated, and creative, contributing to better workplace performance.
Personal Fulfilment: Ultimately, both physical and mental health are essential for personal fulfilment and a sense of purpose in life. They allow individuals to pursue their goals, dreams, and passions, leading to a more meaningful and satisfying existence.
Hence, Mental health is indeed as important as physical health, and the two are intertwined in complex ways. Recognizing the importance of mental health and taking steps to promote and maintain it are essential for living a healthy, fulfilling life. Prioritizing both aspects of health leads to a more comprehensive and balanced approach to well-being.
Our daily habits largely influence how we feel, how we react and how we go about managing our lives. Our state of mind is a made up of the daily choices we make and we have the power to make small decisions every day to benefit our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Incorporate some of these mental wellbeing practices into your daily routine to nurture your mind, energize your thoughts and elevate your spirit. Here are some daily habits to consider:
Practice Gratitude: Start or end your day by listing things you’re grateful for. This can shift your focus toward positivity and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Mindfulness Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness meditation. This practice can improve self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being. Studies show that people with a consistent meditation practice are less likely to react with negative thoughts or have unhealthy emotional reactions in times of stress. Meditation allows you to better manage your emotions and clear your energy of negativity.
Connect, Acknowledge, Accept your deeper needs and feelings :Building a strong connection with your inner self involves actively listening to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. It’s about developing self-awareness and understanding what’s happening within you. This connection enables you to identify your needs and feelings accurately. Practice mindfulness, engage in regular self-reflection, and pay attention to your body’s signals. These practices can help you become more attuned to your inner world.
Acknowledging your deeper needs and feelings involves giving them the recognition they deserve. It’s about accepting that your emotions and needs are valid, regardless of whether they align with societal expectations or your own preconceptions. When you experience an emotion or identify a need, don’t dismiss it or judge it. Instead, acknowledge it by saying to yourself, “I feel [emotion], and that’s okay” or “I have this need, and it’s valid.” This step helps you avoid suppressing or denying your feelings.
Acceptance goes beyond acknowledgment; it involves embracing your emotions and needs with compassion. It means allowing yourself to experience your feelings fully without trying to change or control them. It’s about treating yourself kindly, as you would a friend in distress. Practice self-compassion. Offer yourself the same understanding and care you would offer to a loved one facing a similar situation. Remind yourself that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions and that your needs are an integral part of who you are.
Keep your body active: Mind and body are deeply connected. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious. Daily movement of the body does not have to be a very strenuous workout. You just have to do something that keeps you active and at the same time feels fun and fulfilling to you. You can do brisk walk, yoga, or a full workout. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress. Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Proper nutrition can positively impact your mood and energy levels. Prioritize getting enough sleep each night (typically 7-9 hours for adults). Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function and emotional well-being. Create a daily routine that includes regular mealtimes, exercise, and relaxation. Predictable routines can provide a sense of stability and control. Take breaks during the day to practice deep breathing exercises. This can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
Positive vibrations : Creating positive vibrations for good mental health involves fostering a positive and uplifting environment, both internally and externally. Speak Positive words can improve your psychological and mental wellbeing as well as place you in a positive state of mind and attitude. This helps you to vibrate with and thus attract desired, good things in your life and helps to manage your emotions in stressful times. When used consistently this will help to change your old negative thinking of fear, lack and limitation. Empowering words can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Positive affirmations, encouragement, and supportive language can motivate individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
You will start to feel better, and your subconscious mind will start working to match your reality with your positive words and vibration.
Consistently practicing these daily habits can help build resilience and improve your overall mental well-being. Additionally, if you’re dealing with severe mental health issues, consider seeking professional help for guidance and support.
You can take courses for self-transformation or take 1-1 guidance.