"Be flexible. People become troubled when they become too set on a dream and don't allow room to make adjustments. Growing is mostly about editing out the things that don't work." Dr. David Viscott
Increasingly we recognize the value of caring for our mental health and well-being.
Mental health is a significant part of our overall personal wellness. This recognition has led many of us to not only prioritize physical health as the pinnacle of our well-being. We are learning that our mental health is multifaceted. For example, optimal mental health is foundational to our physical health, coping with stress, adjusting to life circumstances, knowing our worth, building and maintaining healthy relationships, and making decisions about our lives and communities.
Here are some activities that can improve your mental health:
Make restful sleep a priority. In a sleep study published in 2017, researchers found that sleep duration and quality the night before were associated with work engagement the next day.
Practice gratitude. Research studies have shown positive relationships between altruistic behaviors, psychological, physical, and social well-being.
Have realistic expectations for yourself and of the people in your life. Practice psychological flexibility.
Establish healthy boundaries that maintain your self-worth, self-esteem, and values. The maintenance of healthy boundaries helps you assertively communicate your needs without ambiguity.
Learn to express your feelings. The longer you hold them inside, the more you distort them and the more overwhelming they become.
This is an extension of number 5. Remember, our hidden feelings of hurt manifest as anger, aggression, and passive-aggressive behaviors. Expressing your feelings is different from complaining, whining, or nagging. What’s the alternative to an explosive rant?
Challenge your negative thoughts: Am I making assumptions? Are there any other possible explanations? What advice would I give to a friend in a similar situation? Is there another way to look at this situation? Is there evidence for me to worry about this situation? Is this worry in or out of my control?
Do not believe everything you think.
Practice saying positive things in your conversations with others.
When dealing with difficult situations, find a silver lining; look for something positive to be the foundation of your solution. This differs from ignoring the realities of the problem you are attempting to resolve but serves as a reminder if there is nothing to salvage, then what is your purpose?
Humans tend to mirror each other’s behaviors, so notice how your positive attitude can be contagious when you interact with others. Hint: share a friendly smile and choose your words carefully.
Take notice of how you speak to and about yourself and choose words that reflect a person striving for personal growth.
Work on your mental health every day. Discover the simple joys of living with enthusiasm.
Stay Naturally Curious.