Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious lately? Do you feel like you need to hit the reset button on your mental health? You’re not alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of it should be a priority.
Mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and the recent pandemic has shined a spotlight on the importance of mental health. However, there are many simple steps you can take to improve your mental health that can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
Many science-backed strategies can help you push the reset button on your mental health and improve your quality of life. From practicing self-care to seeking professional interventions, there are a variety of approaches you can take to prioritize your mental health this year. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective strategies for resetting your mental health and achieving a happier, healthier life.
What Makes Mental Health so Important?
Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. It includes your psychological and emotional well-being, which can be affected by a variety of factors such as exercise, nutrition, genetics, lifestyle factors, and more. When you don’t pay attention to your mental health needs, your life can fall out of balance, your physical can deteriorate, and you risk developing mental health concerns or issues.
Establishing a daily routine that you can stick to is key to prioritizing your physical and mental health. For instance, your routine should include physical activities like running or yoga, enough time for a good night’s rest each night, regular social interactions (even if it’s virtually), and mental health tools like apps for tracking moods and behaviors. At a minimum, strive to make your morning self-care routine as enjoyable as possible. This will help you recharge your mood for the whole day.
An array of creative activities such as drawing, painting, dancing, or singing may also be helpful, even if you’re not very good at them. Do your best to make time for these activities in your weekly routines and you’ll likely see improvements in your mental wellness.
Use Brain Mapping to Improve Your Mental Health
While it might sound like something out of sci-fi, brain mapping can provide an excellent way to improve your mental health. Brain maps are an innovative diagnostic tool that helps frame your mental health in a new light by literally creating a visual map of your brain activity.
Brain mapping relies on Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) technology to measure the electrical activity in your brain in real-time. This activity is commonly referred to as brain wave patterns and those patterns can provide a great deal of information on your mental health and cognitive functioning.
When you visit a brain mapping professional, they will place sensors on your scalp to generate an accurate reading of your brain’s electrical activity. Your practitioner will then analyze the behaviors and compare them against expected brain wave patterns. This allows them to identify imbalances in your cognitive functioning that may reveal key details about your mental health. From there, your practitioner can create a personalized brain training plan to improve your mental health.
How Do Brain Maps Relate to Mental Health?
Brain mapping offers a unique way of looking at mental health issues that can be extremely useful in managing them.
After a 30-minute mapping session, your brain map will help identify patterns and triggers associated with certain thoughts or behaviors. In addition, it will provide insight into how your brain functions and your coping strategies for various situations. Over time, brain maps can also be used to track progress and improvements in your mental health which can then provide further direction on the right treatments for your needs.
Best Activities to Try When You Feel Down
When you’re feeling down, it can be difficult to think of ways to shake off those feelings and find relief for your mental wellness. Work, personal obligations, and other events can add serious stress to your mind and it can be hard to alleviate those feelings. But there are actually quite a few activities you can try that may help improve your mood and outlook on life. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to reset your mental health. Not only does it have calming effects, but regular daily or weekly practices can also help you gain a better understanding of your emotions and how to best manage them. Just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference in how you feel and think!
The great thing about meditation is that anyone can do it from anywhere – no matter what level of experience you have. All you need is somewhere quiet and comfortable to sit (or lie down) and some time for yourself. There are lots of different types of meditation to explore, from guided visualizations to breath awareness techniques, so find the one that works best for you!
2. Think Positive
Though it’s easier said than done, one of the best ways to reset your mental health is to reframe your thought processes in more positive ways. It sounds simple enough, but positive thinking can be a powerful tool for self-care.
When we focus on the good things in life – like our relationships with friends and family, or moments of joy – it can help us to stay motivated and optimistic.
This doesn’t mean that you should ignore the bad things. Instead, try to focus on the positive side of difficult situations rather than the negative. This can help you navigate those difficulties more effectively by changing your perspective and/or problem-solving skills.
In addition, take the time to appreciate small victories throughout the day, like a job well done or a compliment from someone close to you. Those small moments will help keep your spirits up and remind you that good things do happen!
3. Find Time for Enjoyable Activities
One of the best ways to reset your mental health is to regularly explore activities that you love. Doing something you enjoy can help to break up your day, give you a sense of accomplishment, and even create positive memories that can last a lifetime. Whether that’s playing music, taking a hike, or hunkering down in a cafe with a new book, doing what you love will help revitalize your mental wellness.
4. Take a Technology Detox
Sometimes it can feel like technology is taking over our lives. Smartphones, tablets, and computers seem to be everywhere, and it can be difficult to unplug and take a break from the toxic environments of the digital world. Every now and then, try to take a technology detox for a few hours or a few days.
A technology detox doesn’t have to mean completely cutting yourself off from the internet – it can simply mean setting aside dedicated time for being tech-free. Set an alarm that reminds you when it’s time to put your devices away or consider designating certain areas of your home as tech-free zones where no electronics are allowed. You could even host monthly “tech-free days” with friends or family to make it a fun group experience.
Prioritize Your Mental Health This Year
In conclusion, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. By implementing these strategies for a mental health reset, you can improve your overall well-being and lead a more fulfilling life. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and make time for the things that bring you joy.
Your mental health journey is unique to you, so take it one step at a time and trust the process. Your mind and body will thank you for it!
Author’s BIO: Nellia Melnyk is a Digital Marketing Specialist from Denver, CO. Her passion is to help businesses grow through marketing. She has experience in small editions and is now engaged in news and conceptual articles about home improvement, self-development, and health.
