Promoting mental wellness should be a no-brainer, but Doctor of Psychology Venus Nicolino believes too many of us put zero thought into our mental well-being. “Not only do we not do the things necessary to have a healthy mind, we don’t even make time to consider doing them,” Dr. V says.
So Dr. V is making it simple to boost mental wellness with these seven and a half tips anyone can use regardless of how busy they are.
7. Forget any notion that you will be perfect. All of us are stricken with humanity. Perfection is not part of the deal so enjoy your screw-ups as learning experiences and adapt to the journey as best you can in the moment. Beating yourself up won’t give you a concussion but your brain will still be damaged.
6. Do you even realize how noisy the world is? It’s hard to notice when you’ve been used to it your entire life. Try tuning out one thing per week that is useless noise; Twitter is a terrific start.
5. Sweat. The more the better. Physical exercise is not only for the body. The mind will appreciate all the stress destroyed by a treadmill or game of tennis. Sweaty bodies clear clouded brains.
4. Be handy. Find something to do with your hands. Some people lose themselves in gardening while others like tinkering with machines or woodworking. Connect your mind and hands with a common goal that gives you purpose and evaporates anxiety.
3. Record your day. Keeping a journal serves two purposes. It lets you spill your thoughts into the world instead of letting them dwell inside your head in a stressful loop, and it gives you insights into consistent issues that become manageable once they are pulled out of the shadows.
2. Meditate. Wait, don’t panic! Meditation can be as simple as taking a purposeful walk, taking five deep breaths, or listening to a guided meditation so you have company. Think of it as a time for choosing what to let into your mind for the rest of the day.
1. Self-help is a myth. Accept that to help yourself you are in control of taking the vital step of connecting with others who can help you, and vice versa. Friends, family, trusted counselors. Cancel those solo missions that are, unfortunately, doomed.
Taking care of one’s mental health is as crucial as keeping one’s body fit, and like a fitness routine, mental fitness is crucial. No one will get it right every day. Everyone will skip days they shouldn’t and fall into old traps. But the human mind is super adaptable. This is an invaluable advantage to adapt mental health tactics as one sees fit.
Oh, that last half tip? Go half speed one day per week. See how slowing down feels while not trying to overachieve every single day. Speeding back up to full throttle is always an option if the peaceful pace isn’t working out.
