Learning how to focus on your mental health is one of the most important things you will ever do, but it’s not always easy. With a brand new year, we’re allowed to set new goals for self-development.
Sometimes, though, we need some guidance. I know that I do. While it’s easy to say that we’re going to start focusing more on our mental health, what does that entail exactly? Are there specific things that we should be doing? And how can we measure our progress?
To help you on your 2020 journey of mental wellness, check out the five tips below.
1) Prevent Burnout
Burnout has been a buzzword for quite a while now, but it’s for a good reason. It’s a good condition that can lead to depression, isolation, and exhaustion. Burnout causes individuals to withdraw from the activities they love the most and can cause us to give up on our goals. Don’t let that happen in 2020.
Try this: Take the GR8NESS Quiz to see if you’re suffering signs of professional burnout.
2) Learn What’s Blocking Your Happiness
To be mentally well, identify what’s causing your depression, anxiety, what’s holding you back from reaching your goals, or causing you any emotional distress. You may be surprised at what you uncover when you begin to dig deep within yourself. Sit down at night with a journal and jot down what you’re feeling unhappy about, and why. Look for patterns, and then take active steps to counteract them.
Try this: Take the GR8NESS Quiz to find out if your negative self-talk is holding you back.
3) Don’t Let External Factors Impact Your Well-Being
We’re not talking about external factors like the weather, or who won the basketball game on TV last night. It’s been shown that many external factors impact self-image and those are the ones you need to concentrate on. Don’t let social media, how others speak to you, or anyone outside of yourself tell you how to feel. Your self-image is yours and yours alone.
Read this: Find out if social media is impacting the way you see yourself.
4) Learn How to Cope with Stress
Stress is a part of life. We all feel it at one time or another. Whether work gets hectic, family problems arise, or school gets crazy, at some point this year you will feel stressed. It’s natural. To focus on your mental health, learn the best ways to cope with stress healthily. There are breathing techniques that are proven to help with stress, ways to effectively manage your time with simple apps, and more.
5) Know When It’s Time to See a Professional
The most important part of focusing on your mental health is recognizing when you are no longer able to go it alone. It’s also important to recognize that there is nothing wrong with seeking the help of a professional. If you are struggling to the point where your mental health is interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s the best thing that you can do.
Read this: Seeking professional help for mental health is more common than you think.
Spread the Word
If you’re taking steps in the new year to focus on your mental health, we’re proud of you, and we’re on this journey with you. Now, it’s time to spread the word. Let others know that taking care of their mental health is important too.
Learn how to bring mental health awareness to your environment and be a light for others. You never know who needs to hear what you have to say.