Mental health is usually just a broad generalization, yet there’s a reason why it touches the entire realm of our well being and livelihood. Experts in this area consider this more important than ones physical health, since anything physical usually has visible signs or damage.
Most are now aware that we need to maintain a proper diet, exercise regularly, and as a result, there’s solid verifiable proof over the past few decades, those who do so has become visibly healthier by eating better and working out more often.
People have been living longer, especially those who are disciples to these guidelines. The bigger issue however, is that the majority of people don’t realize that their mental wellness, is just as, if not more important.
The routine for the average majority of individuals today, is around 2 to 6 hours of exercise per week, and a better more structured conscious effort of choosing to eat healthier foods.
What this results in is less consumption of empty sugars, preservatives and “bad” fat laden junk foods. Yet what continues, is less emphasis placed towards how fit our minds are.
The Lack Of Care For Our Mental Health
There are instances of abuse, when it comes to our state of mental health. That we’re pushing our brains too hard, not relaxing enough, not taking that well deserved vacation or long weekend.
What we continue to do is work those 60 hour weeks, taking the work home with us, and working through the weekend. All this in the hopes of banking an easier life, when we’re older and retired.
But what good is taxing our brains so hard, what good will pushing yourself in overdrive do, continuing to overload the mind, and eventually having some type of a breakdown or a long term illness.
Mental Health Contributes To Poor Physical Health
Overworking has an absolute chain reaction, as our physical health begins to suffer the consequences regardless of how well we eat, or how much we exercise.
It begins to take its toll. Much like a car overheating, we end up getting high blood pressure, experience headaches from stress and anxiety, suffer from depression, all indicators which elevates the chances of developing heart disease such as stroke.
So to avoid this, it’s recommended that you keep a well tuned mindful balance in your life, and avoid tipping the scales, this to keep your mental health in as tip-top condition as possible.
Ways To Balance Mental And Physical Health
Find and develop hobbies which gets you into the flow. Activities where you lose your sense of time, and allows you to completely forget about your troubles, even for a few hours.
Take that bike ride through the park, or get into your car and roll the top down, and refocus yourself with a weekend trip up the coast. Do things that brings the world and your priorities back into focus. There’s no better therapy, so never feel guilty about it.
Another proven stress reliever, is that night out on the town. Just let go, let loose and dance the night away with close friends. Just allow your spirit to soar, by making sure that you have a great time.
Find Ways To Relax
Try reserving a night every week to watch movies, or binge watch all your favorite TV shows for a few hours. Choosing light funny sitcoms, is an excellent way of lifting your mood. Make sure that you laugh out loud, as doing so is one of the best ways to release stress.
Playing video or card games for some, are great ways to feel better. So if you’re upset at your boss, co-workers, or your spouse, find ways to release that frustration.
Balance Your Life By Improving Your Personal Life
Life is difficult, so make sure you find different ways of improving yourself, by asking, “What do I need to improve upon.” Write down a list of things that you don’t like about yourself, and be honest.
Then prioritize that list, making the most important issues that you need to work on, first. Whenever you have time, begin working on them, checking off each item once they’re resolved.
Taking A “Time Out” For Yourself
Make sure that you take some time out for yourself, on a daily basis. There’s no way that you can fulfill your “want” to help others, if you don’t take care of your needs first.
Draw a hot bubbly bath, soak and just relax, allowing the stress to just fade away. Go for a walk, bike, or a jog by yourself, alone. Go to the library and just read.
Do something special for yourself every day. Make sure that you find and get lost in your thoughts. Then it’s guaranteed, that you’ll feel a lot better.
Give More Than You Take. Become A Friend
Go out and visit someone, or smile at a complete stranger. Get out of the house more often. Stop that nasty habit of meddling in other lives, but instead start developing new hobbies for yourself.
If you don’t have many friends at the moment, then go make some new ones. Meeting new people is something that you can do immediately, once you offer your time to a cause that you believe in.
Making new friends can be a godsend, and they can be found anywhere, where your interests lie. So make it a priority to meet new people. Attempt to do so, every time that you talk to someone new.
Just be yourself, be interesting and learn to have more fun. Know that life is short and you need to improve your current state of life. Even just a small improvement to better yourself, here and there, is all you need to do.