A PSYCHOLOGIST’S GUIDE TO BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

Life is beautiful, but it is also an intricate web of highs and lows. Mental health is the thread that intricately ties and interweaves our emotions, experiences and wellbeing. Acknowledging its paramount importance marks a crucial stride towards nurturing a fulfilling and harmonious existence.

Mental health is said to be a destination and not a process. The journey of mental well being involves embracing emotional, psychological, and social equilibrium. As one navigates through the complexities of  daily lives it is imperative that they equip themselves with the tool kit that would enable them to live a mentally fulfilling life.

Dr. Nivriti Mishra, a Psychologist recommends a few techniques that one can use to chart through the path of life. Read below for these tips:

Self-awareness: A famous quote from Aristotle states that “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Self awareness is the ability to understand one’s own feelings, thoughts, emotions, behaviour, personality, value system, beliefs and attitudes. To begin, get a better grasp of your feelings, ideas, and actions. It is crucial to be mindful of one’s own thought patterns, stressors, and triggers. Finding our true desires in this fleeting existence is possible for each of us if we are self-aware and engage in regular reflection and introspection.

Self-care: Taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs in order to maintain your health and welfare is known as self-care. Give your mental and physical health top priority. Self care is not about being indulgent or selfish. In order to practise self-care, you must ask yourself how you're feeling emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Remember engaging in self-care regularly could help you put your best foot forward.

Set boundaries: Just as fences protect us, give us a sense of privacy, similarly setting boundaries will keep others from invading into our space. Boundaries can be defined as the physical and emotional limits of appropriate behavior between people. For your better mental health, learning  to say “no” is important.  Inability to set boundaries can drain your energy or cause you unnecessary stress. Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your mental health.

Practice mindfulness: The mind has a strange habit of jumping into future or mull upon uncertainties of the future.This causes stress and anxiety. The practice of mindfulness is increasing one's awareness of the current moment to the fullest, without passing judgement. It can lessen relationship problems, tension, anxiety, and sadness. Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve overall well-being.

Challenge negative thoughts: Negative thoughts are like parasites. Like parasites feed, grow or multiply in a way that harms your body. Similarly, negative thoughts cause more harm than you can imagine. Imagine a dark gloomy cloud hanging over your life. Negative thoughts can have this affect on  your mood, relationships, and overall well-being. It is necessary to combat negative thoughts. Develop a practice of challenging  them with more balanced and realistic perspectives.

Stay connected: Your support squad is important for maintaining your well being. Cultivate strong social connections with supportive friends and family members. Several research suggests that social support is a crucial factor in maintaining good mental health and resilience in the face of challenges. So remember  you would feel more capable of handling the challenges life throws at you when you are surrounded by kind and encouraging people.

Engage in meaningful activities: An empty mind is a devil’s lair. For good mental well being it is important to engage oneself in fruitful activities. Pursuing activities and hobbies that give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment will be a great service you would do for yourself. Whether it's volunteering, creative expression, or learning something new, engaging in meaningful activities can boost your mood and overall satisfaction with life.

Manage stress: In recent times, one of the biggest causes of mental and physical illness has been stress. Stress is notorious for causing cardiovascular diseases, to skin and hair ailments. Reducing stress in life is the way forward for better mental well being. Develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress, such as relaxation techniques, time management strategies, or seeking professional help when needed. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress is essential for maintaining mental health.

Expressing Gratitude : Life is a blessing and we must be grateful for everything we have in our lives. Being grateful and appreciative of the good things in life is the trait of gratitude. It entails appreciating and honouring the positive things, people, and experiences we come across in addition to the blessings we have been given. Gratitude can be expressed for particular people, situations, or even life in general. It's a good feeling that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and pleased. Developing an attitude of appreciation and appreciating the worth and significance of the things we sometimes take for granted are key components of practicing thankfulness. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including by journaling your thankfulness, giving thanks to others, or just pausing to consider the good things in life.

Seek professional help when needed: If you're struggling with persistent mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek help from a psychologist or therapist.  Speaking about your emotions and experiences can help you feel better and see things from a different angle. Therapy can provide you with the support, guidance, and tools you need to overcome challenges and improve your mental well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

By incorporating these principles into your life, you can take proactive steps toward better mental health and overall well-being. Remember that mental health is a journey, and it's okay to ask for help along the way.