Mental health is important at every stage of a person's life, because it includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Here's how to improve mental health. Mental health is a topic that is often stigmatized in society. If someone has mental health problems, they are less likely to get help because of the stigma and shame.
Though mental health affects the way we think, feel, and act when dealing with life. In addition, mental health can also help determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
So, how to improve mental health? Here are 8 ways to improve your mental health.
1. Stay positive
The first very important thing to do is to have a positive outlook. You can try this method by observing the following:Find a balance between positive and negative emotions
Staying positive doesn't mean you never feel negative emotions, like sadness or anger. You need to feel it so you can get through difficult situations.
This method can help you respond to a problem. But you don't want those emotions to drag on in you. For example, there is no point in dwelling on the bad things that happened in the past or worrying too much about the future.
This method can help you respond to a problem. But you don't want those emotions to drag on in you. For example, there is no point in dwelling on the bad things that happened in the past or worrying too much about the future.
Try to maintain positive emotions
If you have positive emotions, then keep them. This can help improve your mental health.
Take a break from negative information
Use social media to find support and feel connected to others, but you should still be careful. Don't be swayed by rumors, argue, or compare your life with others in a negative way.2. Practicing gratitude
The second way is gratitude, which means being grateful for the good things in your life. Of course this is very helpful, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or you can write it down in a journal. These can be big things, like the support you get from loved ones, or small things, like enjoying a good meal. It is important to give yourself a moment to enjoy that you have a positive experience. Practicing gratitude in yourself can help you see life differently.3. Maintain physical health
Physical and mental health are closely connected to each other. Therefore, you must take care of your physical health so that your mental health will improve. Some ways to maintain physical health include:Physically active
In addition to making the body fitter, exercise can also reduce feelings of stress and depression and improve your mood.
Enough sleep
You must already know that sleep can affect mood. If you're not getting a good night's sleep, you may become more irritable and angry. In the long run, lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it is important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night.
Eat healthy
Good nutrition will help you feel better physically and improve your mood and reduce anxiety and stress. And vice versa, if you don't have enough nutrition, it can cause some mental illness.
4. Connect with other people
Having good social support can help protect you from the dangers of stress. In addition to connecting with family and friends, you can find ways to engage with your community or neighborhood. For example, let's say you join a group focused on a hobby you enjoy.5. Develop a sense of meaning and purpose in life
This can be through things like work, volunteering, learning a new skill, or exploring your spirituality.6. Develop skills
The next method is the method you use to deal with stressful situations. This method can help you deal with problems, take action, be flexible, and don't give up easily in solving them.7. Meditation
Meditation is a mind and body exercise in which you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types of meditation, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. However, there are some things you need to pay attention to when you want to start meditation, such as:- Quiet location with as few disturbances as possible.
- Specific and comfortable posture. This can be sitting, lying down, walking, or other positions.
- The focus of attention, such as a specially selected word or series of words, an object, or a breath.
- Openness, where you try to let distractions come and go naturally without being judgmental.
8. Relaxation techniques
The final way is to relax to produce the body's natural relaxation response. You can do relaxation techniques with various types, such as:Progressive relaxation
You tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises.
Guided image
You learn to focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused.
Biofeedback
You use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension
Self-hypnosis
The goal is to relax yourself more, such as when you hear a suggestion or see a certain cue.
Deep breathing exercises
This technique involves focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths.
