Mental wellness is a year-long practice, an everyday reminder to be kind to ourselves, prioritize our personal well-being, and concentrate on self-care. As we move into National Wellness Awareness Month this August, it’s equally important to take time to reflect on what it means to be physically, mentally, and emotionally well – and review tips for achieving just that.
Living a More Fulfilling & Balanced Life
What are the different types of wellness, and what do they mean? Here, we’ll look at three of the top focuses for your overall health.
Mental Wellness
Mental health is a cornerstone of your personal well-being. Maintaining a healthy mind looks different for every person, but can involve connecting with others and building a strong system of friends and loved ones around you. It’s important to nurture relationships, be mindful of circumstances causing anxiety or depression, or even seek support when necessary.
This support network is crucial, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in order to live longer, happier lives. Engaging with our communities even helps protect us against serious illness and disease, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Physical Wellness
A healthy body helps lead to a healthy mind. As you prioritize your mental wellness, so too should you focus on physical aspects of daily life like exercising regularly, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep – all of which ties into mental health as well.
Sometimes, making lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming. In these moments, just start small! Research new recipes and save them for later, take a walk around the block, or enjoy a catnap. Even seemingly minor changes in your day can make major improvements over time.
Emotional Wellness
Emotional health is all about regulation – controlling not only how we feel about ourselves and the world around us but also how we react to a given situation or stressful environment. This could mean showing ourselves and others more compassion, expressing gratitude, discovering coping or resilience skills, or even finding a new purpose in life.
Quick Tips for Improving Wellness
Set Attainable Goals
Determine what changes you want to make in your life to improve your wellness, and establish achievable goals in a timeline that works best for you.
Practice Self-Care
Set time aside each day to enjoy activities that encourage mental and physical rejuvenation, such as reading, yoga, walking or hiking, gardening, or pursuing hobbies.
Stay Hydrated
Get your daily water intake for optimal health, whether by carrying a reusable water bottle or setting timers to remind yourself to take a drink.
Eat Well
Focus on healthy snacks and recipes, eat “junk” foods only in moderation, and practice mindful eating to improve digestion while enjoying each meal.
Exercise Regularly
Find physical activities you like doing, like jogging, yoga, dancing, biking, and walking – and do them for at least 30 minutes a day to reduce stress and improve mood.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it, limiting screens and distractions, and avoiding late nights in order to regulate your body’s internal clock.
Connect with Your Community
Build and strengthen relationships with loved ones by participating in local events or activities, volunteering, or simply enjoying the company of a friend or family member.
Show Gratitude
Embracing positivity and regularly taking stock of all the things you’re grateful for can help improve resilience and boost self-esteem.
Seek Support
When making changes on your own isn’t enough, reach out to a qualified mental health professional for help with your mental or emotional struggles.
Helping You Make Positive Change
This National Wellness Awareness Month, prioritize yourself and your overall well-being. If you find yourself struggling with depression or anxiety, Mindful Health Solutions is here to help you move forward toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Services include interventional psychiatry therapies like TMS, SPRAVATO nasal spray, and IV ketamine, as well as general medication management.
Celebrate yourself. Contact us today to nurture your mental health and embrace a happier you.
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