Mental Health: Little Tips and Habits With Big Impact
By Genevieve Cunningham
Your overall mental health is a really big deal. It's good that in recent years we tend to take mental health issues more seriously, but is it enough? In most cases, probably not. People everywhere are still hesitant to reach out for help. And we're even more hesitant to talk about it with friends and loved ones. So how can we make it easier? We can take small personal action every day to protect our mental well-being. If you're ready to take your mental health in a positive direction, take a look at these small tips that can make a big impact in your life.
Create a Safe Space
Everyone needs a place they can go to be completely themselves. Somewhere to unwind and relax. Somewhere to let all your worries go for a while. If you want this kind of space, you'll have to create it yourself. For some people, it's their entire house. As soon as they walk in their door, they relax. For others, it might be just your bedroom -- a place without kids and responsibilities. And still for others, it might be some quiet time at the library, a place at the local park, or a comfortable spot in your backyard. Find your safe space, make it as cozy as possible, and use it every time you need to unwind from mental stress.
Make Sure You're Getting Some Movement
Movement is essential to both physical and mental health. Are you getting enough? You should be getting some kind of movement every single day -- whether that's a walk in the park, a jog, an exercise class, or a dip in the pool. Physical movement allows our mental stress to melt away, and it can also make us more confident in our own bodies -- both of which can lead to better mental health. If this isn't already a part of your life, make a plan to get more movement in order to protect your mental health moving forward.
Write It Down or Talk It Out
It's important to get worries and stress out. This can be done by talking to a trusted friend or family member. Meet for coffee, talk about your worries, and you'll probably feel better by the end. But if you're not comfortable doing that, you can also use a journal to get your thoughts out. Journals are personal, so no one has to see it but you. But it still allows you the chance to get your stress out of your head. Get comfortable with sharing at least some of your emotions and thoughts. In the long run, this will be an important skill for maintaining good mental well-being.
It's definitely time to take your mental health seriously. And this applies to absolutely everyone! If you need a professional, don't be afraid to reach out for help. If you need a day off, take it. But in the meantime, use these little tips to significantly impact your mental state starting right now and moving forward in your life.
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