10 promises you must make to yourself for better mental health

Mental health is not just limited to disorders, but also includes your psychological and emotional well-being. Try out these 10 tips to enhance your state of mind, and feel good about yourself!
how to enjoy being alone
Here are the tips to improve your mental health. Image courtesy: Unsplash
Geetika Sachdev Published: 20 Oct 2020, 17:04 pm IST
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Mental health has become a buzzword in these post-corona times. And although the subject is getting importance now more than ever, not many know what it actually entails. When people speak of mental health, they refer to disorders such as anxiety or depression that require guidance from a professional. 

To be honest, mental health is much more than that. It is about how you feel and perceive everyday situations, and your ability to manage feelings and emotions. And although therapy is a good way to take cognisance of your mental health, you can also practice some tips at home to enhance your mental well-being. 

So without further ado, let’s get a lowdown on some promises you can make to improve your mental health:

1. Value yourself

The very first thing you should do is to accept and value yourself. Do not criticise yourself all the time, and treat yourself with kindness and love. Take some time out and learn new skills; appreciate how far you’ve come; and thank yourself for being the way you are! Slowly and steadily, you will come to value yourself.

2. Give attention to your body

If you take care of your body physically, then it will have a positive impact on your mental health as well! That’s why try and eat as many nutritious meals as you can, avoid cigarettes, stay hydrated, move your body as much as you can (hello, good hormones), and make sure to get enough sleep. Do all this regularly, and you will see a marked difference in no time!

3. Surround yourself with good people

You might think this isn’t as important, but those who surround themselves with close friends and family are always in a better mental and emotional state than others! Try and make plans with those who are close to you, or you could also be a part of groups that help you meet new people. You never know you might just grow your support system!

social connect and depression
Find yourself some trustworthy friends to keep yourself mentally healthy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Say positive affirmations

Research suggests that your self-image can have a strong impact on how you feel. So, if you constantly feel negatively about yourself, you view everything from that lens and that makes you miserable all the time. Instead, use positive affirmations that encourage you, and promote your self-worth.

5. Find different ways to deal with stress

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, and it is now up to us how to navigate situations where we are under pressure! How about going for a run post a hectic day? You could also write a journal and spill your thoughts to feel better. Even if the times are rough, you can always find ways to laugh. And guess what? That’s also great for your immune system!

6. Calm your mind

There’s a reason why people can’t stop raving about the benefits of meditation! Of course, our minds go through daily wear and tear, and they need some down time too. When you practice meditation or mindfulness, you improve your state of mind and feel positive.

Have a hectic day? Fret not, just take a 20-minute break and step away. Take a few deep breaths and meditate for a bit. You will feel much better, and even more productive!

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calm mind
It’s all about managing your emotions well. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
7. Set realistic goals

You might be an ambitious person and have several goals in life. Of course, that’s a positive thing, but do not set unrealistic goals that you can’t fulfil. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t aim high, just that you don’t need to burden yourself in one go. Take small and steady steps to stay on track!

8. Move away from monotony

We follow the same routine every single day, and that’s exactly why drudgery sets in. How about shaking up your schedule every now and then? Make changes to your exercise routine, plan a road trip or just eat at a new cafe. You’ll feel amazing, trust us!

9. Steer clear of alcohol and other drugs

Drinking a glass of wine or any other tipple is fine, but do not do it regularly. That’s because some people feel drinking and doing drugs will make them feel better, instead it just aggravates their problems. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

10. Seek help when you need it

There’s nothing wrong with reaching out to a friend, family member or even a therapist, if you need professional help. Remember seeking help is certainly not a sign of weakness—it helps you cope up with situations in a better manner, and improves your quality of life.

So, are you all ready to try out these tips? We can hear a resounding YES!

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About the Author

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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