Thinking of practical ways to help you prioritize your mental health and take your mental health and well-being from points 0-100? Read this article! 

Mental health encompasses the overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual. It affects how you respond to various aspects of life and is not limited to individuals with mental health issues; it includes your overall mental state and how you perceive your feelings. Mental Health Awareness Month takes place from May 1st to May 31st.

1. Always Be Positive: Cultivating an optimistic mindset is crucial for your mental health and well-being. Shun negative thoughts about yourself and focus on striving for happiness and success. Understand your inherent value; you are the most significant person in your life. Practice positive affirmations that align with your personal values and goals. This reinforces a sense of self-worth and keeps negativity at bay, allowing you to thrive.

2. Be Productive: Stay engaged and avoid idleness. If you’re not busy with productive activities, you may feel useless, which can negatively affect your mental health. Instead, plan your tasks carefully, and make sure your goals are in line with your interests and skills. Set realistic and achievable goals, and commit to them with discipline. A sense of accomplishment, even from small tasks, can significantly improve your overall mental health.

3. Social Media Standards Should Not Define Your Life: In today’s digital world, people now use social media, which is often times unrealistic as metrics for their life; this is wrong. To prioritize your mental health you must not be caught in this web. Filter out negativity, especially that which arises from social media platforms. Don’t measure your self-worth against the curated lives you see online; remember that those you see on social media also have their struggles, even if they don’t show it. If you find social media detrimental to your mental health, consider taking intentional breaks to reconnect with the real world and nurture your mental well-being

4. Love Yourself and Take Responsibility for Your Own Happiness: To prioritize your mental health, you must learn to give and share love. But first, you must love yourself. Honestly, nobody is going to love you more than you. Love everything about your life, love your family, body, and lifestyle because you matter the most in your life’s journey. However, be mindful that self-love should not turn into obsession; it’s about finding a healthy balance in your admiration for yourself.

5. Invest in Quality Relationships: The people you surround yourself with can significantly influence your mental health. Trust me, you can never go wrong with building quality relationships. Foster relationships that uplift and inspire you while distancing yourself from those that drain your energy. Seek out friends you can confide in, who you can always be yourself with, who genuinely care for your well-being, and who are willing to invest in the friendship as much as you do. Remember, healthy relationships are a two-way street; they involve work and investing time in meaningful connections with family and friends.

6. Prioritize Your Health: Your physical health is intrinsically linked to your mental health. Aim for a balanced lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise, hydration, nutritious meals, and sufficient sleep. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to stay ahead of potential health issues. Additionally, practice stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, to maintain a healthy state of mind.

7. Invest in Personal Hygiene and Your Appearance: Take care of your body and maintain a clean environment. A tidy space can improve your mental health, while a cluttered one can have the opposite effect. Don’t look like your problems. Develop a routine that includes grooming, dressing well, and maintaining a tidy living space. These small steps contribute to a sense of control and self-respect, helping you feel more positive about yourself.

8. Mind Your Own Business: Avoid comparing yourself to others. Refrain from stalking people on social media or judging your life based on theirs. Focus on your own journey and respect the privacy of others, stop trying to know what’s going on in every other person’s life. Instead, concentrate on your progress and path without getting sidetracked by someone else’s journey. Furthermore, don’t go about talking ill of people, if you don’t have something positive to say, keep shut. Gossiping messes with your mental health.

9. Don’t Do Life Without God: To prioritize your mental health, you must do life with God. Life can be really hard, but God promises that when you’re tired and heavy-laden, you come to Him, and He will give you rest. Have a good, personal, and genuine relationship with God. Study your Bible, pray, obey God’s instructions, and have quiet times with your Heavenly Father. Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit will offer you comfort and direction during difficult times, reinforcing the belief that you are never alone.

10. Set Boundaries in Relationships: Effective communication is key when it comes to maintaining healthy relationships. Learn to express your needs clearly and assertively to those around you. Establishing boundaries is crucial; don’t tolerate disrespect or behaviors that undermine your values. By being vocal about what you expect and what you’re willing to accept, you help create an environment where your mental health can flourish.

ALSO READ: How a Positive Living Space Can Boost Your Mental Health: The Link Between Environment and Well- Being.

About Author

Gloria

I’m a graduate of the University of Benin, I studied International Studies and Diplomacy. I’m lifestyle writer, content and copy writer, content strategist, poet and spoken word artiste.

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