You hear a lot these days about saving for the future, and rightly so. But all the focus on financial matters can make us overlook the importance of investing in one’s own mental health. So, in this post, we’d like to suggest ways that everyone can enjoy a happier outlook, both now and down the road. Use these options to make informed decisions about your own situation. Please note: we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before beginning any self-help program.
Retraining Your Thoughts
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people to contain negative thoughts and open their minds to greater joy. CBT-based counselors have practices all across the US. However, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of this therapeutic approach through self-care, which can help people maintain strong mental and physical health, especially those who are recovering from an addiction, or suffering from depression or anxiety.
Here are a few ways to do so:
- Identify maladaptive and unrealistic thought patterns that are worsening your symptoms.
- Replace them with realistic and beneficial thoughts.
- Make time for activities that bring you a sense of happiness and fulfillment.
That’s a quick introduction to a rich and rewarding topic. You’ll find more information about CBT self-care at this website.
Living in the Moment
Meditation has gained a lot of attention in recent years, both with the general public and among healthcare professionals. This ancient practice offers profound mental health benefits for those who suffer from anxiety and depression, according to Harvard Medical School. Here are some tips for beginning meditators:
- Start with brief sessions. Three to five minutes works for many novices, according to Psychology Today. Add time to your meditation intervals as you accustom yourself to the practice.
- Remember there’s no “wrong” way to meditate. Some people picture the classic image of a meditator sitting cross-legged on a cushion as the only correct approach. However, it’s possible to meditate while walking, lying down, or sitting in a chair. Some people use music or guided imagery; others find these products unhelpful. All that matters is that you benefit.
- Focus on the goals you want to achieve. Meditation within a mental health context is about enjoying improved clarity and peace of mind. Use it for a while to see if it works for you. Many find great relief from calming and focusing their mind, which is what meditation is all about.
Making Better Choices
Making good choices is essential for enjoying improved mental health. Here are some guidelines to help you in the process:
- Base your decisions on facts, not feelings. For example, a person trying to quit smoking might crave a cigarette. But she should forego this desire, because smoking causes all sorts of serious health issues. In the same way, a person striving to lose weight might not think there’s harm in having a slice of cake. But research shows that eating foods high in sugar and saturated fat can derail a fitness plan, triggering the person to indulge other unhealthy choices.
- Keep the end result in mind. For example, let’s say your goal is to get a raise. If that’s the case, then perhaps you should think twice about staying out late if you need to show up for work early the next day.
- Never be afraid to ask for help, but make sure the person you consult has a history of making sound choices in her own life. Does your decision involve technical or specialized information? If so, then seek the guidance of an expert in the field before making up your mind.
The path to better mental health starts with a decision to be a better you. So, commit right now to making a positive difference in your well-being. You’ll look back at this moment as one of the high points of your life.