6 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health and its importance. The day also provides an opportunity for people to talk about their mental health, learn more about mental health disorders, and learn how to get help.

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma - and thankfully, the idea that we should ALL take care of our mental health is getting more attention than ever before.

Mental health is an important topic that should be discussed more openly.

Why? Because mental health is essential to overall health and well-being. It’s not a separate entity; rather, it’s integral to physical health.

Think about it: when you’re physically healthy, you feel good mentally, and vice versa. So it makes sense that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health - if not more so. Too many of us (myself included) wait too long to care for our mental health. This is especially true for parents, moms even more so. We put ourselves last because we think we have to, but the reality is that if we don’t take care of our mental health, we can’t take care of anyone else.

It’s not selfish to put your mental health first. It’s essential. Self-care can be considered an act of protest. Read more about why I belive this. https://shanabull.com/blog/self-care-for-moms-is-an-act-of-protest

How can you take care of your mental health? Here are some ideas:

(Note, I know most of these ideas are considered obvious, but many of us forget that the basics are such an important part of keeping up with your mental health)

1. Talk to someone. This could be a therapist, counselor, friend, or family member.

Humans are social creatures, and we need social interaction to thrive. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, participating in a club or community group, or volunteering, social interaction can help improve your mental health. But also talking about the "hard stuff" is important too. Don't bottle things up - it'll only make them worse in the long run.

2. Get regular exercise.

Physical activity is one of the most effective things you can do for your mental health. It releases endorphins, reduces stress, and can help improve your mood. And you don’t have to go to the gym to get exercise; there are plenty of other ways to get active, like going for a walk, playing sports, or dancing.

3. Eat a healthy diet.

The food you eat affects your mood and energy levels. Eating nutritious foods can help improve your mental health, while processed and sugary foods can have the opposite effect. I know this first hand, and now that I have given up processed sugar (mostly) for the past few years, my body shakes when I eat a piece of cake, and I can feel it in my gut that night. It's not worth it!

4. Get enough sleep.

Speaking of sleep... Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your mood, energy levels, and overall health. For me: drinking too much or eating poorly directly impacts my ability to get a good night's sleep, and I am slower at work and with my family the next day.

5. Take breaks.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt out, it’s important to take a break. This could mean taking a few minutes to yourself to relax and de-stress, or it could mean taking a vacation. If you can, try to take a few minutes for yourself every day, even if it’s just to take a break from work and relax. Also, it's especially important to take breaks from screen time. I have written about social media's impact on my mental health a few times. Too much time spent on screens can be harmful to your mental health. Make sure to take breaks from your devices and spend time doing other activities that you enjoy. Also, getting a glass of water and stretching away from your desk can't hurt!

6. See a mental health professional.

There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance. Mental health professionals can help you identify and manage mental health issues. This is the most important and most overlooked because of time, money or not wanting to admit you need help. But as I have said before - if you wait until you are burnt out or depressed to seek help, you may be too late. If you are struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional help. If you are scared you cannot afford one, there are plenty of sliding-scale clinics or online therapy options. Connect with someone you trust to get guidance.

Taking care of your mental health is essential to living a happy and healthy life. Don’t wait until things get bad to start taking care of yourself. Start making your mental health a priority today.