A guide to boosting mental health
Mental
health is important in every aspect of an individual's life from childhood to
adolescence to adulthood. Adolescence is a crucial period for developing
social skills and emotional habits which play an important role in mental
health. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly;
developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to
manage emotions. One in five teens lives with a mental health condition. Half
of all mental illnesses begin by age 14. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 7
(14%) 10–19-year-olds experience mental health conditions, yet these remain
largely unrecognized and untreated.
Ways to improve mental health
Value Yourself:
Take care of your body:
Taking care
of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:
● Eat
nutritious meals
● Drink
plenty of water
● Exercise,
which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods
● Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.
Surround yourself with good people:
People with
strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack
a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or
seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class, or
support group.
Helping others:
Volunteer
your time and energy to help someone else. You will feel good about doing
something tangible to help someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new
people.
Learn how to deal with stress:
Like it or
not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute
Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your
pet, or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and
see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune
system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
Quiet your mind:
Try meditating, Mindfulness, and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.
Set realistic goals:
Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic, and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal.
Break up the monotony:
Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs:
Keep
alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol
and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other
drugs only aggravate problems.
Get help when you need it:
Seeking
help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember
that treatment is effective.
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