The Importance of Maintaining Good Mental Health During Difficult Times

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.