5 Steps to take back your mental health

So you overdid it these past holidays and you just want to recharge mentally before you go back to reality. Now that you’ve made the choice to take back your mental health in 2017, here are some tools to help you in the process. Developing the right plans will help you be more prepared and empowered in taking action when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing. Here are some healthy steps to help you begin your journey in taking your mental power back choma.

Acknowledge your feelings

In order to change anything, you first need to accept it. Even if you don’t like how you are currently feeling; maybe you’re sad, anxious, or angry at something or someone. Acknowledge and accept that feeling in the current moment and allow yourself to feel it. Try and understand why you are feeling that way, but also take full responsibility for feeling that way choma, this includes not hurting yourself or others just because you feel that way.

Spend quality time with people you value and who value you too

This year choma, find a close support system and friends that will listen to you when you have something good or bad to share. If you already do have people who support you, keep them close to you. Having people you can confide in and that you can trust, can do your mental well-being a world of good. If you don’t have anyone close that you can talk to, consider joining a community social group, such as the Dreams support groups.

Spend quality time with yourself

Schedule free time for yourself; don’t just wait until you have free time between tasks. That way, you won’t be disturbed while you are having some much-needed relaxation. Use this ‘me time’ to do something you love, whether it be reading a book, taking a walk, or just enjoying music. Getting to know yourself more can do wonders for your mental well-being.

Give yourself to others

Choma, voluntarily offering yourself for a service or the act of giving is more likely to make you feel better because you are spending time making others smile more, making yourself happier too. If you can’t volunteer or don’t have time to regularly volunteer, then you can try and do something nice for someone at least once a week. So if you make lunch for yourself, you can make lunch for someone else too. A simple compliment can also go a long way choma. Or even making someone a gift or writing a letter to a friend.

Laugh more

Laughing almost immediately improves your mood while also relieving stress and anxiety. Laughter enhances your emotional balance due to the release of endorphins, which are ‘happy chemicals’ released in your brain. Being happy can allow you to see negative situations in a more positive light, improving your outlook on life

So don’t wait for something big to happen in order to make these changes this year choma. The perfect time to improve your mental health is now! You don’t need to be happy, confident or free from anxiety or anger in order to take back your mental health. By taking that first step choma, you are well on your way to having the best year yet!