More and more people these days have begun to realize that self-care is important. Your mental health is as much a part of your overall well-being as your physical health. We all need to learn to be kind to ourselves, minimize our contact with toxic people, and do things that make us feel better.
It is important to remember that self-care doesn’t equal self-treatment. Telling yourself you’ll achieve your goal next time if this time it didn’t work out, doing what you feel like doing instead of being pressured into things by others, or just enjoying a bubble bath after a long day is absolutely great. It is also very necessary to keep your emotional health in balance.
However, if there already is an issue you don’t seem to be able to cope with, don’t self-diagnose and please don’t prescribe yourself any treatment based on what your friend’s aunt’s neighbor got from a doctor for a similar issue. Instead, talk to a mental health professional and let them help you. If you feel the need to ask someone how to get better (and that’s absolutely fine!), ask a person who is professionally equipped to give you a proper answer.
To celebrate World Mental Health Day (October 10), we have collected tips for mental health that, while not being a treatment in itself, will help you enjoy each day a little bit more and handle the emotional balance. All of them are scientifically approved by Mental Health America and several other reliable sources. If there is anything you regularly do to support your mental health, share it with us in the comments.
#1
Hang out with animals.
Time with animals lowers the stress hormone and boosts oxytocin, which boosts the feeling of happiness.
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24points
#2
Keep the temperature low for a good night's sleep.
The optimal temperature for sleep is around 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit (16-19 degrees Celsius).
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19points
#4
Take a break if you need to.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, even just a change of scene can help to relax.
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18points
#5
If you have something that's bothering you, write it down on paper.
Writing about upsetting experiences and events can reduce the symptoms of depression.
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17points
#6
Make sleep a priority.
Stick to a schedule and make sure you're getting enough sleep.
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17points
#7
Look after yourself.
Basic self-care, like brushing your teeth or having a shower is important for your physical health and also can make you feel better.
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16points
#8
Keep moving.
Body and mind are one, so looking after our bodies can also help prevent or help to deal with mental problems.
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14points
#9
Dance around while you do your housework.
Not only you'll get your chores done in a more fun way, but also dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals).
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14points
#10
Try to prep your lunches or picking out outfits for the work week.
Not only you'll save time in the mornings, but you'll also have a sense of control of the week ahead.
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14points
#11
Try to set your sleeping environment comfortable.
Small changes can help, like sleeping with a low light on, different bedding or different temperature.
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14points
#12
Be kind and help create a better world.
Research shows that being kind is beneficial for both giving and receiving sides. Showing kindness to others can boost our mood, help us feel more capable, strengthen connections and relationships with others, and even help cope with stress.
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13points
#13
Eat healthy food.
Food and drinks can affect our bodies, brains and moods in different ways, so a healthy diet is essential for good physical and mental health.
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12points
#14
Work on your strengths.
Do something you know you're good at, which will build your self-confidence and make tackling a tougher task easier.
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12points
#15
Experiment.
Try a new recipe, write a poem, make a painting or a drawing, or try a new craft project. Not only it will break the routine, but the creative expression and overall well-being are also linked.
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12points
#16
Reach out to someone and show them some love.
Close, quality relationships are essential for a happy life.
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12points
#17
Try something that is outside your comfort zone, to bring adventure and excitement into your life.
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12points
#18
Work on a DIY project, such as fixing a broken gate, bike or something else.
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12points
#19
Value yourself.
Treat yourself with kindness, reward yourself and avoid self-criticism.
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12points
#20
Use night mode in your phone, computer and TV.
Blue light from screens can affect how quickly you fall asleep and how good that sleep is.
12points