Do you ever feel like everything is getting on top of you? Couldn’t get out of bed this morning because the thought of having to go through another stressful day at work was too much? I bet that even reading that sentence now can make your anxiety levels shoot up. That’s what anxiety does to people. It makes them think irrationally, feel stressed and anxious about the simplest of things.
The problem with this is that if your mental health isn’t in tip-top condition, it can make your relationship suffer. That’s why I think it’s important to take care of your mental health (just like you do with your physical health). Here are some tips on how to do just that.
1. Learn to Relax
Trying to control your anxiety can make it worse, so it’s better just to let go! If you’re young, the best way of letting go is by going out with friends and having a laugh. Smoking cannabis can also help ease away your worries. If you have children, then laughing with them can also help (think of the messes your kids make when you’re in a good mood). This is something that the best psychiatrist in Bhopal, Dr. Sanjeet Diwan, often advises to his patients.
2. Get Active
Getting outside and engaging in physical activity reduces stress levels. It doesn’t matter which activity it is, just as long as you find pleasure in it. This could be kayaking or football; anything that you love doing!
3. Make Sure that Your Diet is Good
Avoiding junk food can help, as it’s full of chemicals and preservatives that are bad for the brain. The best way to achieve a good diet is by consuming natural foods such as fruit and vegetables. That also includes drinking lots of water – you need it to survive!
4. Meditate Regularly
The best way of achieving a sense of calm and control over your mental health is by meditating. Just like other things, you can improve with practice. So, don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first few times you try it. Meditation involves clearing your mind and focusing on nothing but your breathing. It also switches off the limbic system (the part of our brain that deals with emotions). This makes you feel more relaxed and at ease.
5. Use Technology
Technology can be used to help improve mental well-being. There are lots of apps available that can help you track your moods and feelings. This is a great way for people to keep an eye on their progress (and also know when they need to talk to someone such as a psychiatrist in Bhopal).
6. Talk About it
We all feel down sometimes. But, we don’t always realize that what we’re going through could be depression. That’s why it is important to talk about our emotions. it can make us realize the problems we might not have otherwise noticed. Even if you don’t think anyone else will listen, or want to listen; just explain how you feel out loud – this alone helps!
7. Build Good Relationships
Social connections are important for everyone’s mental health, but especially so if you have anxiety. That’s because good friends are there to help pick you up when times are tough. They can also help you learn how to cope with the stress of everyday life, which in turn makes your anxiety less severe.
Also Read: 9 Ways to Deal with Anxiety and Depression at Work
8. Think Positive
Your attitude towards things has a huge impact on how you feel. Try to think that everything that happens is for the best, even if it isn’t. Just got out and do something fun! Being overly negative brings your mood down whereas, being positive can improve it. Saying ‘good morning’ every day changes things for the better!
9. Find Someone Who Listens
Talking about what’s bothering you helps you overcome anxiety. The best way of talking is to do it with someone who listens! It doesn’t matter if you talk to family or friends. Just make sure that they give you their undivided attention. You can also try joining a support group, where people go to discuss what’s troubling them in an open and friendly environment.
10. Be Grateful For What You Have
Gratitude is one of the most important tools you can use to maintain mental well-being. It helps us appreciate all that we have (even when times are tough) rather than focusing on what we don’t have. So every night before bed, thank your lucky stars for your many blessings. This works even if you don’t believe in God!
Mental health is just as important as physical health and by practicing the above you will help to improve yours.