The conversation around the importance of taking care of one’s mental health has just started opening up, but there is still a lot of stigma attached to it. And as essential as it is to keep it in check, our busy lifestyles and constant consumption of content doesn’t always allow us to make an active effort into ensuring that our brain is as healthy as our body. Which is why on this International Day of Happiness, we suggest you try these things to stay healthy.
1. Journal Regularly
Cannot stress this enough. Journaling is the peak of “I’m going to keep my shit together” attitude. Penning down your long-term and short-term goals, your to-do lists, how you felt during the day, what you’re thankful for, and if you’re really committed to it, maintaining a habit tracker are some of the things you can try to get started with the practice. A lot of people get creative with their journals, but if you don’t wish to do it for the purpose of maintaining an aesthetic, that’s completely fine.
2. Read a book or watch something funny
Thanks to the internet, the speed at which we consume content is faster than ever. We’re constantly on our phones and laptops, reading the news and soaking in opinions, and while it has major positive aspects, it can also take a toll on one’s mental health (especially during times of unrest or epidemics). To clear your head, it’s a good practice to make sure that the last thing you watch or read before bed is something positive. Your subconscious mind stays happy and healthy that way.
3. Get Ample Sleep
Our generation either goes weeks without sleeping properly, or doesn’t sleep at all. No in between. Both of which can be really bad for one’s mental health. Sleep is like reboot time for the brain and depriving it of sleep can result in clouded thoughts and losing touch with one’s emotions.
4. Hydrate Yourself
THE solution to most things is drinking water. This is a reminder to drink water.
5. Adopt a pet
Nothing is as gratifying as caring for another being that is entirely dependent on you. Pets are known to release oxytocin and serotonin in our brains, and you get a best buddy as well. Win-win situation. But also, adopt don’t shop.
6. Exercise
Exercising regularly releases endorphins and relieves stress. So all those times your mom told you to go outside for a walk whenever you felt low, she had legitimate reasons. It also helps regularise the body’s clock and creates a routine.
7. Seek therapy
There is no shame in seeking professional help, and this cannot be stressed upon enough. Wondering what people will think if you go to therapy is something that a lot of us have thought at some point, but society is extremely disappointing and are welcome to mind their own business, any time now. If there are financial constraints that hold you back, then please consider checking if your employer-provided insurance covers mental health issues. If not, urge them to change it, and also consider seeking help from government institutions that offer free therapy.
8. Check up on your friends
It is also extremely important that we make sure to check up on our friends and family. Many of us don’t feel comfortable talking about personal issues unless initiated, and having a friend to talk to is always a good feeling.
Let us know if you have any points to add to this.
Image Credit: Dear Zindagi- Red Chillies Entertainment, Dil Chahta Hai- Excel Entertainment
Social Image Credit: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Excel Entertainment
