HOW TO MAKE MENTAL HEALTH MATTER
Mental health is now discussed more openly than it once was. Mental illness or issues that affected mental health used to be stigmatized, and many people suffered in silence and might not have gotten the help they needed.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports more than one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. Mental illnesses include many different conditions that may vary in degree of severity, from very mild to severe.
The NIMH notes self-care plays a significant role in maintaining mental health and supporting recovery. People can safeguard their mental health in many ways, and doing so will improve their overall health as well.
SPEND TIME IN NATURE
Nature can have a calming effect on people. Going for a walk can help tame stress and break patterns of negative thinking.
SET BOUNDARIES
B2B Reviews says 12 % of U. S. workers were fully remote in August 2023. Estimates suggest that number may have increased to around 14 % by 2025. Working from home can make it more challenging to set firm divisions on time spent working and for home life. Establishing boundaries means not being available 24 / 7 for calls or emails and not feeling guilty about taking time away from work.
GET REGULAR EXERCISE
Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can get feel-good endorphins flowing through the body to boost mood and bodily health.
TRY RELAXING ACTIVITIES
Relaxing activities can include reading, listening to music, meditation, or low-stress crafts and hobbies. Make time each week for these calming pursuits.
USE YOUR VACATION TIME
Too many people are not using enough of their deserved time off. A survey from financial services company Sorbet found 62 % of Americans don’ t use all of their paid time off. A Pew Research Center survey found nearly half of U. S. employees with paid time off take less time than their employers offer.
GET MORE SLEEP
Adults generally need seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal health and reaching deep sleep phases. Creating consistent sleep routines that include going to bed and waking at the same time each day; avoiding screens before bed; and avoiding caffeine or vigorous exercise late in the day can help improve sleep.
SOCIALIZE WITH OTHERS
Socialization provides opportunities to see others and talk about anything you want to get off your chest. People feeling stress or anxiety might think they are alone. But having conversations with others can illustrate that these are common problems and there are solutions. Sometimes just talking about an issue can help you overcome it.
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