7 Ways to Start Prioritizing Your Mental Health This Year
When we talk about mental health, it’s not just about our psychological well-being. Social relationships and emotional conditions are also under the scope of mental health. Mental health is one of the most important attributes we humans have that determines our success in life. It also influences our physical condition, and that means an unhealthy and neglected mental state can lead to low energy and sickness.
For a solopreneur like you to function at his highest possible performance, it's important to prioritize and care for your mental health. And since May is mental health awareness month, here are the 7 ways for you to have a healthy mind that will guarantee you success in business.
Decide to turn off your devices an hour before you go to sleep at night
Modern day devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops are backlit by blue light that can contribute to sleep difficulty at night - hence, the feeling of stress. Not only that, using one in bed can glue us to social media. It might be an unpopular opinion, but too much social media subjects us to mental toxicity. Stress and mental toxicity are all bad for you. Treat your bed as a haven for sleep only. This way, you will have better sleep at night and feel completely rested when you wake up.
Keep a gratitude journal
Writing down things that you are thankful for helps you to keep a healthy mental state. At times that you feel down due to stress or disappointments, remembering what you’re grateful for will make you bounce back and allow positivity to re-enter your life. So get a journal or just simply write down the blessings and happiness that you have received for the day - especially those tiny accomplishments at work. Keep what you have written and read them from time to time.
Stop multitasking in your business
One way to prioritize your mental health is by keeping your social relationships healthy. Multitasking in your work can keep you so busy that you unknowingly isolate yourself from meaningful relationships. Keep your business and work simple enough that you don’t get stressed and have time to enjoy yourself in the company of others.
Read: 10 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Learn to enjoy free time without guilt
Even if we do get to spend our free time having fun alone or with others, sometimes, it’s still not enough. We often get haunted by the thought of the waiting responsibilities we get to face after having fun. This robs us of the joy of the present moment. Drop all the thoughts of work and business when you're out having fun. Lock those thoughts of responsibilities and tasks in a chest (in your mind), then bury that chest to be dug out later.
Practice mindfulness meditation for a few minutes a day
Meditation can ease your life's stresses. Spend some quiet time for you to meditate. The thought of meditating mindfully might be ridiculous but studies have shown that it does have a profound effect on our mental health.
See a therapist when needed
At the time we get so deep in a bad mental state, we can no longer help ourselves bounce back. There are issues that we cannot face alone such as childhood traumas. Our mind shuts out and the world turns to gray then to dark whether we want it or not. So remember to see a professional when you can no longer take it. There is no shame in asking for help. Many of those who avail therapy recover and become better people than they were before.
Break up with perfectionism
One cause of psychological stress is disappointments. These so-called “disappointments” stem from expectations of/and perfection. Learn to expect less and accept the truth that there are things in life you cannot control. If you commit mistakes, learn to forgive yourself and practice self-compassion. Instead of beating yourself up into pain, anxiety, and depression, strive to do better the next time.
The mind is the control center of our body and our lives. Taking care and prioritizing your mental health can help you achieve a healthy well-being overall. If you have a healthy mind and body then you’re ahead in achieving success than those who take their mental health for granted.