In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month, I have compiled some of my favourite mental health advice that I have learned over the years.
Maintain Good Physical Health
In my experience, making a conscious effort to maintain your physical health can help with your mental health because it may make you feel more energized, motivated, and excited when you wake up in the mornings. Easy ways to promote physical health that is often ignored when stressed are drinking water, eating enough food, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Determine and Concentrate on a Personal Objective
Today, with all sorts of depressing news and events surrounding us, it is easy to become too absorbed and overwhelmed by the present. It will clear your mind to try not to focus on things you cannot control, and instead work on your own goals, passions, and ambitions.
Focus More on the Long-term
I often get upset by a bad test or bad grade. However, it always eases my mind and takes some stress away to know that most things I do now are NOT the end of the world. Thus, I urge you all to try your best not to lose sleep over the things that will not have a lasting impact on you in the long term.
Do Something You’re Good At
If you’re having an off day trying to work on one of your goals, it could help stop doing said task and switch to something you like or good at. This instantly boosts morale and self-confidence, which could be the boost needed to achieve the original objective.
Communicate with Friends and Family
I often feel claustrophobic with my own problems because I keep them to myself. I speak for many people when I say that I want to keep my issues to myself for fear of being laughed at or unsupported, but I urge you all to find those one or two people you can fully trust to whom you would feel comfortable divulging your personal problems too. Believe me, once you do, it feels like a massive weight has been suddenly removed from your shoulders.
Connect with Others
With many schools still shut down, many people feel isolated, making it harder to communicate with friends and family. Thus, it is important to actively preserve these relationships. Try to call, text, and FaceTime. Do hobbies that can be done together virtually, such as gaming, cooking, or drawing. These fun activities will allow you to keep a certain sense of a “normal” lifestyle.
Expect Setbacks
Finally, one trick that has always helped my mental health is to lower my expectations. Of course, it is easier said than done, but once you tell yourself that you do not have to be perfect, you will learn to expect and embrace your mistakes that define who you are.
That’s all! I hope you learned something new, and always remember, your struggles are not just felt by you!
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