We live in a society where mental health has finally become an important topic of conversation. But why, then, are we still afraid to talk about mental health?
Some people might believe that if you are suffering from mental illness then you must be sick and abnormal. However, a lot of people struggle with mental health issues every day. Ever heard the phrase “you never know what someone is going through?”
Depression and anxiety are very common symptoms of mental impairment, even among young people like students. The pressure to become successful, to get good grades, to get a good job so you’ll amount to something can be very overwhelming and, at times, debilitating.
If you’re going through something like this, where you anxious, desperate or simply losing interest in activities that you know you should enjoy, just know you’re not alone in this battle. You have family, friends, people who love you and want to see you succeed. I encourage you to reach out for advice.
Advice doesn’t always have to be the answer either. Sometimes it’s making the effort to smile, or hug, or say “hey, I’m here for you.” Find the things that give you purpose and genuinely make you happy. It is never selfish to do what’s right for you.
You’d be amazed by how circumstances can get better when you simply keep a positive outlook on life and keep a perspective that things will turn out alright. This part of your journey is all part of the plan! You’d be surprised because most of the time the resolution is right under your nose. That’s right because happiness is a choice, the same way unhappiness is your choice.
According to Time Magazine, there are five habits that bring serenity now:
- Take the scenic route. Exercise is incredibly important. It reduces stress by releasing endorphins and jogging through nature will actually release chemicals that lower levels of stress hormones.
- Get more magnesium. This vital mineral is depleted when you’re under stress and without it, you feel more emotional and reactive. Eat more dark, leafy greens or a smoothie made with magnesium-rich bananas, cocoa and almond milk.
- Pull ears, feel better. The trick is to hold your ears midway down the two fingers, in line with your ear canal, gently pulling down for 60 seconds. This calms the nerves that surround the central nervous system. It’s like yoga for your face.
4.Turn off the pinging. A lot of us have problems putting our phones away and constantly hearing your phone buzz or checking social media can cause anxiety. Ask yourself, do I need to be on my phone 24/7?
5.Have a happy cry. Devices and what people are highlighting on their social media pages can mess with your head. Here is the justification for watching heartwarming pet videos on YouTube and Twitter, however: chemicals that build up during stress may be released through tears. Cry, laugh, let go, and P.S. a little procrastination is okay.
If these aren’t enough for you, try breathing. Breathing exercises, a staple of mindfulness, can benefit your mood, deeper sleep, less anxiety, a healthier heart and better air intake. You can even think yourself well. Since a lot of it is mental, a lot of it is a mindset. Makes sense, right? Here is your feel-great checklist:
- Healthy relationships, including a strong network of family, friends, loved ones and colleagues
- A healthy, meaningful way to spend your days, whether you’re at school or at work
- A healthy, financial and spiritual life that allows you to meet all your essential needs
- A healthy mental and emotional life, characterized by optimism and happiness, free of fear, anxiety and depression
- A healthy lifestyle that supports the physical health of the body with good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep and avoidance of unhealthy addictions
Never beat yourself up because your life doesn’t look the way you want it to or you’re not who you want to be. There’s a quote that goes, “Forgiveness is letting go of a better past.” Don’t isolate yourself, but find refuge in community. Live in the moment, focus on the present and strive toward the future knowing you’re exactly where God wants you to be. You got this!