We all know how to treat a headache or a pesky bout of flu but far too frequently we overlook one of the most important aspects of our overall well-being: our mental health. Here are some straightforward steps to help you take care of your mind.
1. Talk. Some of us here in Ireland seem to have a special knack for bottling up our emotions. This can be extremely damaging to our mental health. Expressing your feelings can be therapeutic. It’s also a good idea to keeping in touch with friends and family, be they near or far.
2. Healthy living. Staying physically active is great for your self-esteem. Exercise also helps to keep your brain and the rest of your body healthy, which in turn improves your mental health. Eating well has similar effects so try to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.
3. Drink responsibly. A good night out with friends can be a great way to relieve stress but it’s important that our relationship with alcohol doesn’t become unhealthy. Drinking to cope with fear or anxiety is a temporary fix to a more serious problem. Ultimately, the comedown from excessive drinking is likely to make you feel worse. Know your limits and drink sensibly.
4. Ask for help. No man or woman is an island. We all experience times where we feel overwhelmed by something or other, and at times like these we should turn to our loved ones for assistance. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, try professional counselling.
5. Take some time to yourself. If you feel yourself becoming overly stressed out about something, give yourself a break. Sometimes taking a step back and allowing yourself a chance to unwind can be all it takes to reset the mind.
6. Do something fun. Is there an activity or pastime that you used to enjoy? Often if we find something enjoyable it’s because we’re good at it. Playing a sport or pursuing a hobby that we love can be the perfect way to relax and build self-confidence at the same time.
7. Be yourself. Being different should be something that we all embrace, not something to fret over. Although it’s normal to have people you look up to, wishing you were more like someone else often does more harm to good. Try to have faith in yourself.
8. Look after others. Caring for the people around you helps strengthen friendships and reinforce family ties. It can also be very rewarding and enhance your feelings of self-worth, which is a crucial part of maintaining your mental health.
For more advice, check out the rest of our blog.
All the best,
The Team at Gallivan Financial