As crucial as maintaining good physical health is maintaining good mental health. Here are some suggestions to keep your mental health in check.
1. Value yourself
Avoid self-criticism and be gentle and respectful to yourself. Consider expanding your horizons or scheduling more of your favourite pursuits and activities. Do a crossword puzzle every day, start a garden, learn to dance, pick up an instrument, or master a foreign language.
2. Surround yourself with good people
Healthier individuals tend to be those with strong social or family ties as opposed to those with no such network. Plan events with empathetic family members and friends, or look for opportunities to socialise with new people at a club, class, or support group.
3. 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 humour in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
4. Set realistic goals
Determine your academic, professional, and personal goals, and then list the measures you must take to accomplish them. Aim high, yet remain grounded and avoid overcommitting. As you go closer to your objective, you’ll experience a fantastic sense of pride in yourself. You can set goals and maintain them with the free wellness coaching available to University of Michigan students.
5. Avoid alcohol and other drugs
Limit your alcohol intake and stay away from other substances. Alcohol and other drugs are occasionally used as “self-medication,” but in actuality, they just make issues worse. To learn more, go to Alcohol and Other Drugs.
6. Get help when you need it
Asking for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that treatment works. When given the right care, people can overcome their addictions and mental illnesses and enjoy fulfilling lives.
7. Break up the monotony
A small change of pace can liven up a dull schedule, even while our routines increase our productivity and strengthen our sentiments of security and safety. Change up your jogging routine, make travel plans, go for a stroll in a different park, hang some new art, or try a new eatery.
8. Quiet your mind
Try mindfulness exercises, prayer, or meditation. Prayer and relaxation techniques can enhance your mental health and view on life. In fact, studies suggest that meditation may promote calmness and boost the benefits of therapy.
9. Give yourself
Spend some time and effort helping someone else. You’ll feel good knowing that you’ve made a real difference in the life of someone else, and it’s a fantastic way to make new friends.
10. Set up a getaway
It can involve going camping with friends or visiting the tropics. For up to 8 weeks, just the act of making travel plans and having something to look forward to will make you happier overall.
