3 Ways to Maximize Your Mental Health

We live in a fast paced world where jobs, families, and the hustle and bustle of life may often take precedence over our mental health. The struggle is definitely real for so many people! To maximize your mental health, here are a few simple steps to help you along your journey:

1. Stop Apologizing

As women, we often unintentionally apologize for our weight, our hair, our tears, status in life, number of children or lack of children, our communities, and our careers among many things. It is strongly encouraged that you stop apologizing! Who you are and where you are in life are not things that you should be embarrassed or apologetic. It has been said that life is not fair or perfect and we are all striving toward something. Why not accept and own where you are? Consider clapping for yourself on your journey. It is quite possible that you are doing the very best that you can.

2. Give Yourself a Minute to Take a Break

Practicing Self-Care, Gratitude, Positive Thinking, and Mindfulness are all power practices in the world of mental health these days, but it has been found that each of these practices can enhance one’s quality of life. Research has shown that,the stress hormone, cortisol, can wreak havoc on the body, often leading to foggy thinking, fatigue, pessimism, weight gain, and even substance abuse.  Alternatively, self care often aids with this. Positive thinking even with simply thinking about what you are most grateful for or observing the moment are all methods of mindfulness. Other ways to care more for yourself are getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, moving slower throughout the day, and doing something you enjoy. Think of it this way, you can’t give from an empty cup. Find things that fill your cup, so to speak, and do that. Consider what’s taking your energy and alleviate your stress

3. Just Say No

The word “no” is often considered a bad word. In fact, many people may have gotten in trouble as children for saying “no.” The word in and of itself isn’t a bad word, in fact, saying “no” can often open the door to more “yeses.” Consider saying yes to the things that you genuinely want to do and no to things that you don’t want to do. Sometimes, the things that you don’t want to do are often things that you may feel obligated to do, or you may do them because the people involved may be people you care about deeply. If you say no the things that you don’t want to do, you may have time to do the things that you really want to do and spent time with the people who matter to you. Just say yes to you.

Small changes can yield big results. Give these a try!

By: Brandi Lewis, M.Ed, LPC