I’ve been on a depraved lengthy journey with my psychological well being. And after I thought of it the opposite day, I couldn’t consider it’s already been 18 years since I first felt like that anxious teenager, scared and fully caught in my very own head.
It’s secure to say I’ve discovered just a few issues alongside the best way and this this submit, I’d like to speak about a few of the issues I’ve made an actual effort to do that yr, in 2024 to enhance my psychological well being.
The rationale for that is that I need to share sensible issues which have truly made a distinction in my life and that may be utilized each single day.
I paused earlier than reacting
Among the best issues I’ve accomplished for my psychological well being this yr was decelerate. To be extra particular, I dedicated to pausing earlier than reacting to one thing I didn’t like.
One of many issues I’ve observed this yr is how we as a society have gotten increasingly opinionated. Whether or not that’s due to the political divisiveness we discover ourselves experiencing or due to the character of social media and outrage tradition.
Simply take a second to look on-line for five minutes and also you’ll see what I imply. Everyone seems to be outraged about one thing.
A lot of the issues they react to aren’t even actual. They react to nonsense articles written by AI or pretend posts on social media, designed to get us emotional and argue.
And it really works, actually, very well.
I stepped again from this outrage tradition and spent extra of my time being mindful of the way it was affecting my psychological well being because it was clear this tradition was an enormous damaging.
It sucks up and makes use of a variety of my vitality and distracts me from what is really necessary in my very own life.
Lesson: most of what you learn and watch is argumentative nonsense. Flip off the noise to seek out extra internal peace.
I appeared on the positives in every little thing
One of many issues that helped to enhance my psychological well being this yr was wanting on the positives in every little thing. I discovered that irrespective of how unhealthy one thing is, there’s all the time one thing optimistic to take from it. There’s all the time a lesson that may show you how to.
Don’t get me incorrect, typically the positives are very troublesome to establish. And that’s okay. Generally it takes some time to see them.
However I actually consider they’re all the time there.
For instance, my residence was not too long ago invaded by cockroaches. It was a bit scary and made me really feel sort of sick. And as you would possibly know, eliminating them could be an uphill battle. And it actually has been for me.
However even after I felt fully exhausted and defeated, I made a decision to take a look at the positive aspect of the state of affairs. And sure, it was very laborious to seek out one, however I did…ultimately.
The optimistic aspect was, my place has by no means been cleaner!
Lesson: Issues we deem unhealthy will all the time occur however you all the time have the facility to select the positives so the unhealthy aspect doesn’t overwhelm you. Attempt to discover gratitude for all conditions.
I ended taking issues personally
For a very long time, I’ve thought of my psychological well-being and the way it may be closely linked to my ego and sense of self. Once we consider the ego, we typically consider vanity and selfishness. However on the different finish of the spectrum, I believe it’s associated to our worry and the concerns we have now about ourselves.
When I was a very anxious teenager, I felt as if every little thing was taking place to me. I used to be scared and labelled myself as simply that, “anxious.”
I realised I took every little thing on my shoulders too closely. For a very long time, I took every little thing very personally.
However I didn’t must take every little thing that occurred to me or that was stated to me personally. Issues simply occur and folks say issues they don’t imply by means of emotion.
Lesson: once you cease taking issues to coronary heart, they wash over your again. You don’t maintain onto them needlessly and might transfer on shortly.
I spent extra time doing what I really like
One factor that makes a very optimistic influence on my psychological well being is making the time to do what I really like. Up to now, I spent extra time worrying and feeling sorry for myself than I did specializing in the issues that make me really feel nice.
For instance, this yr I spent extra time;
- with my household
- exercising in a number of alternative ways
- writing in regards to the issues I really like
- studying to prepare dinner new recipes
Spending time doing what you like to do (offering they’re wholesome issues) is the right antidote to sitting round overthinking. It makes you’re feeling such as you’re spending your time correctly. And that’s an excellent factor on your psychological well being.
It’s a easy tip nevertheless it’s tremendous sensible.
Lesson: Doing is a lot better for you than considering. Get to doing and transferring in a roundabout way. It quietens the thoughts and provides you momentum.
I began saying “sure” extra
I’m an enormous believer in setting boundaries that defend your psychological well being however this yr I experimented with saying “sure” extra and it had a very optimistic influence on my psychological well-being. I’ve all the time been completely pleased with my very own firm however I made a decision I’d get out of my consolation zone for as soon as.
I started by saying “sure” to invites that ended up being extraordinarily enjoyable events. It obtained me questioning what number of enjoyable occasions I’ve missed prior to now because of saying “No” or, “Sorry I’m a bit drained.” Even after I felt torpid, I pushed myself to exit and see family and friends and I used to be by no means upset.
And saying “sure” extra additionally goes for sporting occasions. For instance, I began enjoying soccer each week. Every week I really feel drained after work and consider one million excuses as to why I can’t go however they’re by no means adequate.
I’m simply mendacity to myself.
As soon as I am going out and transfer my physique, I really feel completely wonderful.
Lesson: don’t shut your self off. Get out and speak to folks, transfer your physique when you’ll be able to and you’ll really feel so a lot better in your self.
Wrapping all of it up
I’ve made a variety of progress with my psychological well being over the previous 12 months. And there’s nonetheless much more that may be made. And that’s okay. You by no means fully change your psychological well being. If I’ve discovered something on this journey it’s that you simply’ll have good days and unhealthy days. However if you wish to have extra good days than unhealthy, it’s good to be affected person and compassionate in the direction of your self.
Sean C is a author, enthusiastic about enhancing one’s self by sustaining wholesome habits and doing the issues that make life extra significant.
