4 Ways To Prioritize Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often tough to prioritize. Between work, school, family, and social obligations, it’s easy to put mental health on the back burner.
Mental health and overall well-being go hand in hand. If your mental health is unbalanced, it may lead to problems in other areas of your life. Like physical health, mental health requires maintenance and care.
How To Prioritize Your Mental Well-being
Putting your mental health before anything else may sound selfish, but it is quite the opposite. Taking care of your mental health may put you in a better position to care for those around you. Furthermore, by making your mental health a priority, you may reduce stress, boost your mood, and increase productivity.
1. Set Realistic Goals
When making a plan to prioritize your mental health, setting realistic goals is a great place to start. For example, if you are constantly on the go, try setting a goal to take five minutes out of your day to sit in silence and clear your head. If you struggle with anxiety, try setting a goal to do one thing that makes you feel good every day.
No matter your goals, make sure they are attainable and help you move closer to a healthier state of mind. You may find that having your goals written down where you can see them will help you stay on track.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed, especially in the beginning. It is important to note that failing is okay as long as you keep trying.
2. Stay Organized
Making time to prioritize your mental health will take some planning. By mapping out your day and scheduling specific times for your mental health, you are more likely to stick to your goals.
Taking one day out of the week to plan your daily self-care routine may help you feel calm amidst the chaos of everyday life. This may look different for everyone. However, activities you may want to consider adding to your daily routine include:
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Spending time outside
3. Know When to Say No
A major part of taking care of your mental health is learning to say no. If you’re constantly overexerting yourself and saying yes to things you don’t want to do, it may be time to start saying no. While it may take some time to get used to, saying no can be liberating. Not only can it help reduce your stress levels, but it may also allow you to focus on what is truly important.
However, saying no to every social obligation or invite that comes your way may cause you to feel isolated and lonely. So instead, try to find a balance between maintaining social interactions and taking time for yourself.
4. Build Trust
Prioritizing your mental health also means finding a trustworthy person to talk to. Having someone to confide in may help you stay committed to your goals.
Doing it alone may be difficult, so it is essential to find people you can rely on for support. The next time you struggle to put your mental health first, consider talking to someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member.
5 Self-care Tips for Mental Health
Making your mental health a priority does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Taking small steps and being mindful of your needs may make a big impact on your overall well-being.
Giving yourself time to focus on self-care is crucial to maintaining good mental health. The next time you are planning ways to prioritize your mental well-being, consider some of the following tips:
1. Practice Self-forgiveness
Learning to not dwell on past mistakes is an integral part of self-care. If you find it difficult to move on from something that has happened, try practicing self-forgiveness. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Remember, no one is perfect.
2. Take Time to Relax
Having your brain on overdrive all the time can be detrimental to your mental health. Make sure to schedule some time each day to relax and unwind. Some things you can do to relax include:
- Reading
- Taking a bath
- Listening to music
- Going for a walk
- Watching a movie
When taking a mental break, try to clear your mind and focus on being in the present moment. Take slow deep breaths and let go of any thoughts or worries that are on your mind. This may help you reset and come back feeling refreshed.
3. Do Things That Make You Happy
Life often requires us to do things that we don’t necessarily enjoy. However, it is essential to make time for the things that make us happy. Doing the things you love is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. So whether it is painting, hiking, talking to a friend, or anything else that brings you joy, make sure to prioritize it in your life.
4. Focus on Positivity
Negative thoughts can have a significant impact on your mental health. Make an effort to focus on the positive things in your life. Practicing gratitude is a great way to shift your focus from negative to positive. Each day, take a few minutes to think about things you are thankful for. This may help improve your outlook and increase your overall happiness.
In addition, doing random acts of kindness for others is a great way to boost your mood and feel good about yourself. Helping others not only makes them feel good, but it may also help you to stay positive.
5. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Studies show that there is a strong correlation between mental and physical health. Staying hydrated, eating healthy meals, and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day may help improve your mental health.
In addition, getting enough sleep each night is crucial. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. If you are not getting enough rest, it can lead to a decline in your mental and physical health.
By following these tips, you can prioritize your mental health without adding extra stress to your life. While taking the time to focus on you can take some effort, it is worth it to maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul.
Improve Your Overall Well-being with Outset Health
When prioritizing mental health, sometimes our emotions and hormones get in the way. If you are looking for a personalized hormone therapy plan that fits your needs, contact Outset Health. We will be happy to connect you with a provider and get you started on your journey towards a better state of mental health.