Steps to Better Mental Health

Cherish yourself
We are all different with good and bad points – allow yourself to be human – not perfect. It is good to strive for high standards but imposing too high standards can increase stress. We are better at showing compassion for others than for ourselves. Step outside yourself and think of what you would say to a friend who was in your position. Be compassionate with yourself.

Get emotional needs met
Just as we have physical nutrition needs for our bodies, we need emotional nutrition for our minds that must be met in balance to ensure good mental health. Our emotional needs include physical security, giving and receiving attention, having a sense of power, control and competence, being connected to others and have status in a group, and have meaning and purpose in our lives.

Improve your physical health
Being physically fit and healthy helps improve our feelings of mental wellness. Regular physical activity, especially aerobic activity, gives a great mental boost and relieves stress and anxiety. Eating a balanced healthy diet <strong>and maintaining an appropriate body weight helps improve physical health and makes it easier to cope with the stresses of life.

Relax
Stress makes us much more vulnerable to both physical and mental ill-health. Taking time to unwind and allow the mind relief from daily stresses makes a big contribution to improving mental health. Learning relaxation techniques can be very useful in helping the mind switch off from our worries.

Balance
Balance in everything in our lives is important. Anything done to excess can be harmful – even good things !!! Particularly, overuse of alcohol, or other drugs, can damage health and can worsen any troubles in your life.

Connect with other people
We are social animals and need contact with other people to keep us well. Gettin
We are social animals and need contact with other people to keep us well. Getting involved in activities with other people helps give meaning in our lives, gives us a feeling of connection and makes us feel more positive.

Think positively
If we think negatively, we are more likely to struggle and feel the weight of life’s trials. Optimistic thinking won’t make us win the Lotto but it will bring positive dividends.

Let go of the past
While it is obvious that events of the past affect who and where we are in our lives today, unfortunately, we cannot change the past. So we must accept it and let it go and look forward to how the future can be better. Dwelling on an unpleasant past will drag us down, so aim to make the present and future better, so that in years to come when you look back on now it will a better ‘past’.

Take ownership of your health
Only we ourselves can actually improve our health, both physically and mentally. When we take control of our health we feel empowered and can deal with things in a much more positive way. In the end your happiness is in your own hands.

Talk to someone
If you are struggling with things in your life, reach out to someone for support. Feeling isolated and not being able to share troubles can often make the problems appear worse. If you don’t have a close friend or family member you can confide in, there are many voluntary and professional sources of help and support. It is not failure to ask for help but a sign of maturity and strength.

By Charles O’Connell : Counsellor/Psychotherapist based in Dublin & Ashbourne.

If you would like help with taking any of the steps mentioned in this article, please contact any counsellor – psychotherapist in the Mindfully Well network and they will be happy to help you.

Call us-we can help!