To first try and improve or mental health we must know the power of it and what it means to want a better version of it. We here at S.A.M understand that not only physical fitness is important but being mentally fit as well. So we found it fit too include a Mental Health section of our website for those that may need advice and a guide to bettering themselves.
Mental illnesses can be crippling and demoralizing. One can find endless advice on maintaining one’s mental health and on recognizing a mental illness, but today we would like to distill the critical factors for mental health recovery into a few concise points.
A key to mental health recovery is building a strong, proactive social network. Isolation and alienation are very common among those with a mental illness who have experienced a severe psychotic break. One must seek out a supportive network, be it consisting of family or friends. One must, however, remove themselves from any social network that could contribute to a relapse of the original mental condition.
Waking up early, meditating, exercising and replenishing one’s platter with an assortment of healthy tidbits can do wonders for a person’s physical health. However, in this fast-paced, technology-driven age, it is not enough to just take care of one’s physical health to achieve overall well-being.
Here are a few ways to improve one’s mental health:
Begin the day with a cup o’ joe: Kicking off the day with a cup of coffee has been associated with lower rates of depression. Another hot beverage that boosts mental health is green tea.
Maintain a gratitude diary: When a person pens down his or her thoughts or counts blessings, it helps in acknowledging and appreciating who they are and what they have. Research suggests that expressing gratitude in a diary improves one’s mental health and provides clarity.
Take a leap of faith: The fear of failure, commitment and receiving the short end of the stick often prevents people from trying their hand at that one thing they always wanted to do or improve. Rather than constantly worrying and looking over one’s shoulder, one should face the situations as and when they come.
Go for a leisurely stroll: A walk, preferably somewhere quiet and serene like a park or in the woods, instills new energy and perceptions. Research shows that taking a stroll is associated with an increase in energy levels, protection from depression and overall well-being.
Smile like you mean it: Putting on a happy expression in the times of stress and difficult periods may be too much to ask for. However, smiling is surprisingly an effective coping mechanism as it lowers one’s heart rate and has a soothing effect.
Article By: Jay Guilorry & Lex Douvasa
