For a long time, the term “health” was related to the absence of a physical illness. Those people who did not show symptoms of a disease could be said to be healthy people, but over the years this has changed.

The World Health Organization defines the term health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not only the absence of diseases or illnesses. This definition clearly expresses that health goes beyond simply not suffering from a disease.

The term mental health has become very popular in recent years. The levels of anxiety and depression have increased considerably worldwide, and today due to the COVID19 pandemic the figures have been alarming. A person who is not in good mental health puts its general health at risk.

When a person suffers from a mental illness, they may have difficulties to function in their daily lives, which ends up affecting other areas of their life and can lead to diseases that also affect their physical condition. Mental illness was a stigma for a long time and today is something that is changing so that people pay more attention to their mental health and can take the necessary actions to improve it.

The best time for people to take care of their mental health is now, you do not have to wait for a specific situation to take care of something so important to the human being. If you feel that you are in a time where your mental health is being negatively affected, these 8 tips will help you to improve your mental health and maintain it.

1. Keep moving

Exercise not only helps improve physical appearance but is also good for your mind. Exercising lowers stress and anxiety levels, improves mood, and keeps you energized throughout the day. Various scientific studies have confirmed that people who exercise regularly are those who remain more optimistic and can function more optimally in their daily activities.

2. Take moments to rest

While it’s important to keep moving with activities like exercising, your body and mind need a break. Everything in excess hurts and a person who does not take the time to rest can suffer consequences. Performing any type of activity excessively can lead to opposite results. Sleeping the necessary hours and taking breaks during the day are ways you can rest and give yourself the break it needs.

3. Social relations

Human beings are social beings and it is vital for their development and proper physical and mental functioning to socialize with others. Those who socialize and maintain good friends tend to have better spirits. You must take time during the week to talk with friends or family, try to create new bonds, and show yourself how you are. While it is true many times people may come to think that they do not need anyone, sooner or later the effects of interacting little with other people can wreak havoc on your mental health.

4. Get organized

Organization is essential if you want to feel that you have more control of the things you do and that you have order in your life. Starting the day with your goals set and the things you have to do will help you know which way you should go. During the day, take a few moments to write down the things you have to do and also the goals you have in the short and long term.

5. Manage your thoughts

You must be aware of your thoughts. A large number of thoughts pass through people’s minds and many are usually negative and unconsciously affect the well-being of the human being. It is possible that after you have had a negative thought you feel how your behaviors change. Learn to identify the types of thoughts you have as they influence your emotions and behaviors.

6. Control your emotions

It is not only important to have control of thoughts but also your emotions since these are usually related. Human beings are rational beings, but emotions can often cause their behavior to spiral out of control. While it is true that you can experience moments where your emotions overflow, it is important that you can handle them in a way where you feel control of them. Identify your emotions, the causes for which they manifest themselves, and how they influence your life.

7. Be positive

One of the things that a lot of people today is the importance of being positive no matter the situation. Staying positive is a good thing, but without neglecting realism. It is important that you can look at the positive side of the things that happen to you in life and what lesson they leave you.

8. Seek professional help

Not all people have the same ability to manage their circumstances, some can do it themselves, but others need help. If you feel that you are at a point where you cannot find a solution to your problems, you feel disoriented and your moods are always negative, it is time to seek professional help. The psychologist is the person who can help you understand what is happening to you and how to solve the problem, it is someone who listens to you and who is not there to judge you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aura Priscel is a Clinical Psychologist and Content Writer. She works as an online therapist with the aim of helping people with different mental illness, situations that can affect their lives and in their personal development. She also creates content related to psychology, education and traveling. When she’s not working, she likes going to the beach, dance and travel. If you want to know more about Aura, you can check her Blog and Twitter.