How to Improve Your Mental Health

 By Huma Batool Nakvi

When we speak of taking care of our health, we mainly focus on the physical aspect of it. But how can we forget the mental and emotional health which is equally if not more important! Specially for people who suffer from anxiety, depression, chronic stress or any other  mental illness they are ashamed of, however there is no need to be ashamed of it or consider it a taboo topic. We need to recognize any issue we face as soon as possible so we can solve them ASAP to live a happy a fulfilled life.

1. Listen to depressing music. It may sound counterintuitive like that's something that makes you more sad. But the idea behind it is that it's cathartic and helps you release the emotions and feelings that are bottled up inside you so they find a release. Studies find that a good cry can boost your mood! So although it's counterintuitive, different methods work for different people so when you try these out try to tailor them to make sure what's best for you.

2. Take a break from social media. People focus on the bad of social media but I believe in the good of social media too. However, constantly comparing yourself to the best of people, or unrealistic, photoshopped and staged standards is bad for your mental health. There's also a reason why more and more people are lonely and depressed now a days more than ever. 

3. Gratitude Journaling. This is about intentionally practicing being thankful. it can be a short activity. Studies show that when people write down a few sentences a week of what they're grateful about, they're happier, less depressed and it affectively improved their mental health and also trains your brain to focus on the good. 

4. Re-label and Refocus. First of all: STEOP ONE: Re-label your thoughts.

 Don't just accept anxious thoughts as truth at face value. Stop and identify the thought outside of yourself and just label it as depressing, or anxious, or sad. This will help you manage it.

 

STEP TWO: Refocus. We all have different ways to deal with depression and anxiety e.g eating, smoking, procrastinating etc. So what you want to do is change your focus from such activities to a productive one e.g calling a friend, going for a walk, working out, sorting out your closet. And usually when we're in a rut, the last thing we want to do is the best thing for us. 

5: Do for Others. When we are depressed or anxious or stressed, our thoughts are inward upon ourselves. But when we do things for others in that state, like an act of kindness, it is a selfless act and something positive that has a positive affect on your own emotional well-being and how you see yourself. It can even be a simple act such as telling someone something you admire about them!

 

6. Going to Therapy: Everyone can benefit from therapy. Just the way the more you would see a doctor or go to the gym for physical health, the healthier you would be. Similarly the more you would see a therapist to check in with your mental health status, the more mentally healthier you would be. Everyone has a physical health status, as well as a mental health status. People are scared to go see a therapist because it sounds like going to a hospital. But in reality, it's more like going to the gym. Sure you can talk to your friends and family about issues you're having, but there's something about a professional in the field who has the right knowledge about your issues and how to approach them. It's like having a professional trainer, but for your brain!