“The only journey is the journey within.”
We are all so obsessed with our physical appearance—how your dress makes you look, how your hair is too long, how your nails are chipped—but neglect to take care of our mental health until a problem arises.
For some, the issues with their mind are outside their control. It can be from genetically inherited conditions, trauma, or other forms of injury. For others, mental health is not outside their control. Or it may be a combination of both. Regardless, your lifestyle and daily choices can prevent a scenario from developing or worsening. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, it’s never too late to start strengthening your mindset or mental well-being. Start small with these tips.
Laughter
Laughter is one of the best forms of medicine. On a biological level, laughing mitigates the effects of stress by decreasing cortisol and increasing dopamine and endorphins. It can lighten your mood, relieve tension, and make you more open to friendly relationships. The best part of laughter is that it’s contagious, so hearing others laugh can help trigger your own.
Exercise
If you’ve ever been told to go on a walk to clear your head, do it! Exercise and movement have been proven to improve your mood by increasing your levels of serotonin and dopamine, which physiologically makes you feel better and potentially clears your mind from stressful or overwhelming thoughts.
Gratitude
Count your blessings. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness redirects your attention to positive thought patterns. It can decrease getting stuck in frustration, depression, or other unproductive behaviors. Look for positives in your day no matter how small and continue to practice gratitude.
Challenge Yourself
Challenge yourself to do something difficult. Overcoming challenges will demonstrate to yourself mental strength and in return give you confidence. So, restart a hobby, learn about a new topic, help someone with a project, or try a small constructive habit every day. If you never try, you’ll never learn.
These strategies are not a magical “cure” to mental health issues, but just a stepping stone in making change. Slight changes compound over time to create long-lasting effects. Pick up habits that you learned when you were little—eat well, sleep well, and live well. If you have any severe issues, never feel ashamed to reach out for help. Try not to be scared, your story may inspire others.
