The
Importance of Maintaining Good Mental Health During Difficult Times
Throughout
our lives, many people struggle with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic
attacks, depression or other mental health concerns, especially during times of
difficulty and distress. Unfortunately, mental health issues are not always
taken as seriously as they should be and often are stereotyped due to
misconceptions regarding mental health conditions. However, according to Mental
Health America, 46 percent of Americans will meet the standards for a diagnosable mental
health condition sometime within their life, and half of those Americans will
develop conditions by the age of 14.
Additionally,
Mental Health America notes that nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a
diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. Knowing these facts, we can establish that
mental health awareness is something that should be prioritized, and that mental
health is important to manage in order to live our everyday lives more
productively. Listed below are some tips on how to help manage mental health,
particularly during times of stress and hardship.
Meditation & Breathing Exercises: Meditation and deep breathing exercises are a great way to help stay calm and focused when dealing with anxiety and stress. Make sure to be in a comfortable position when doing breathing exercises. According to Healthline, it is also important to take slow, gentle and lengthy exhales out. Avoid breathing in and out too quickly as it could cause hyperventilation. Listening to guided meditation practices with relaxing sounds is also helpful with releasing anxiety, stress and tension from the body.
Aromatherapy: According
to The Cleveland Clinic, aromatherapy is great for helping to reduce stress,
lessen anxiety, improve your mood and create a calming environment. Aromatherapy
can also help improve mindfulness, improve sleep and ease depression, according
to WebMD. Aromatherapy can be used through scented lotions and bubble baths or
by using scented oils and candles in your home. According to Healthline, some scents
known to have a soothing effect include lavender, jasmine, chamomile, bergamot,
rose and clary sage.
Physical Exercise: Physical
exercise is excellent for staying in good shape along with improving one’s
mood. According to Mayo Clinic, exercising for 30 minutes or longer for three
to five days a week helps to relive symptoms of depression and anxiety. Great
examples of physical exercise you can do at home include tai chi, aerobics, yoga,
dance or pilates.
Take Time For Yourself: Taking
time to do something you enjoy is very important to maintaining a good mood. According
to Healthline, taking ten minutes doing an enjoyable activity can help lift
your spirits and leave you feeling more relaxed and happier. Make sure to take
some time for you each day partaking in an activity you enjoy whether that’s
spending time with a pet, reading a favorite book, listening to music, writing
poetry etc.
Maintain Adequate Rest & Proper
Nutrition: Proper rest and a nutritious diet is essential to
maintaining good health, both physical and mental. Healthline suggests avoiding
sugary foods and also notes that 7-9 hours of sleep is recommended for those
whose ages range between 18-64 years old. The National Alliance On Mental
Illness suggests maintaining a good sleep schedule by going to sleep at the
same time every night. WebMD suggests eating meals regularly around the same
time every day, limiting caffeine intake by avoiding caffeinated drinks that can
make you jittery and avoiding spicy foods that may cause heartburn which could
keep you awake at night. Mayo Clinic advises eating fresh fruit and vegetables
that are packed with vitamins and nutrients and to drink more water to help
boost your mood and stay hydrated.
Laugh Therapy: According
to Mayo Clinic, laughing can reduce stress, lessen symptoms of anxiety and
depression, ease muscle tension, relieve pain and boost the immune system. According
to Health Central, laughter can also lower blood pressure. Take time to watch a
funny television show or movie that makes you laugh. You can also try a
technique known as laughter yoga, which combines yoga techniques and chants to
help promote laughing.
