Life is made up of the situations and events we face and interpret. Well-being is about life going well, and the experience of positive emotions and optimal functional effectiveness. Not always can we experience happiness and well-being, but that does not stop us from hoping for positive outcomes. ThatMate helps you explore a few ways to maintain your mental health.
Value yourself: Identify your strengths and take up opportunities that present. Be kind to yourself while being analytical and critical. Treat yourself with respect, and avoid unnecessary self-blame.
Engage in Leisure tasks: Make time for your hobbies and interests, or broaden your horizons by learning a new skill. Do a crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.
Address and express your thoughts and feelings: Pay attention to what you think and how you feel about those thoughts. There’s nothing good or bad or right or wrong about these thoughts and feelings. Share them with loved ones and you may feel your burden lift.
Healthy Lifestyle habits: A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Be sure to eat nutritious meals, exercise daily, get enough sleep, and avoid smoking and drinking. Follow a routine but don’t allow it to run you. Be flexible
Social connections: Interact with your friends and family and be assertive in conveying your needs. Seek social and emotional support from them and take help in dealing with how you feel, if required. Understand it is not a sign of weakness. Indulge in developing new relationships.
Stress Management: Use adaptive coping and problem solving skills to overcome the stress that is now a part of life. Practice relaxation and deep breathing, meditate, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Learn the skill of time management and prioritizing.
Set realistic goals: Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to take to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over-schedule. You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal.
Get help when you need it: Seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness. Treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and lead full, rewarding lives. Never hesitate to get help.
By Ms. Asmita Dalvi