How To Stay On Top of Mental Health

Both physical and mental health are important aspects of overall wellbeing. They often go hand in hand and a problem in one can manifest as a symptom of the other.

Regular exercise and healthy eating habits go a long way in helping you stay in good physical health, but measuring the state of your mental health can be more challenging. Whether you find yourself in the middle of a mental health struggle or are just trying to stay on top of mental health so you don’t spiral out of control, implement these four tips to help your overall wellbeing.

Use Essential Oils

Aromatherapy has become increasingly popular in recent years.

There are dozens of pleasant essential oils that can help reduce anxiety and boost mood, so investing in a diffuser to fill your home with invigorating aromas is a great idea. You may find any of the following oils beneficial for helping you stay calm and optimistic.

• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Vetiver
• Geranium
• Bergamot
• Frankincense

Take Time for Yourself

The responsibilities of everyday life can leave you feeling rushed and overwhelmed, which could easily cause you to sink into depression or anxiety. You may not feel like you have enough time in the day to get everything done. It is important to learn to recognize the signs so you can slow down and regroup before the depression overtakes you.

Take up a hobby you enjoy and make it a habit to dedicate time to it each day. Even if you can only spare ten minutes a day, a relaxing activity can make a world of difference in your mental health.

Choose from endless possibilities including coloring, exercising and taking bubble baths.

Talk About Your Struggles

Bottling up your emotions when you are struggling with mental health is one of the worst things you can do.

You may think that you will burden people if you choose to talk about your struggles, but keeping your experience to yourself could lead you to believe that you are the only one struggling. This can cause you to sink even further into despair.

However, you can turn your situation around if you find people you trust to talk to. A licensed therapist can provide you with strategies and coping skills to help you navigate your condition. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with a professional, turn to a close friend or family member.

Keep Track of How Far You’ve Come

You may be down on yourself for struggling with your mental health again, but it is important to remember how far you have come in your journey. Whether you have just been diagnosed or have been dealing with mental health problems for years, try keeping a daily journal. Write down your emotions and how you coped with them each day.

You may feel silly at first, but you will find this practice useful when you can look back on your journal entries and see which struggles you have overcome and how you have grown since your diagnosis. This practice helps you recognize your own strengths.