Until COVID, mental health had been a taboo topic - the elephant in the closet (and may still be in some households and communities) - it was a touchy subject, projecting weakness, and if someone dares to bring it up, no one was willing to be honest and vulnerable. However, most of us have experience some degree of mental health challenges at various times, whether it was the stress of work performance, anxiety of being a new parent, fear of disappointing loved ones, or trauma of deaths, or more seriously, depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorder, etc. We are accustom to talk about our physical health openly, yet refused to seek any help when it comes to mental health.
Â
COVID was a sad event on many levels, there's silver-lining of it: With more people realizing the importance of taking care of their emotional well-being, mental health and emotional resilience finally gained its overdue spotlight. Conversations started to happen not only on TV but also at dinner tables, and work place. Friends, families, colleagues and celebrities alike started sharing challenges, because we were all suffering together. Did it somehow make us feel a little better? Yes. Why? Keep on reading.
Â
With that tragic phase finally behind us, there are still many rippling effects post-COVID, including the impacts on our mental health. With the rise of stress, anxiety, and depression, it's important to understand the connection between mental health and overall wellness. So let's talk about this giant elephant in the room, and offer some practical suggestions on how to get mentally fit, now and forever.
Why Is Mental Health Important
Â
Mental wellness is important because it affects every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Our mental health influences how we think, feel, and behave, and can have a significant impact on our ability to function effectively in our daily lives.
Poor mental health can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression, which can interfere with our ability to perform at work or school, maintain healthy relationships, and enjoy our daily lives. Additionally, mental health conditions can have physical consequences, such as high blood pressure, chronic pain, and weakened immune systems.
Conversely, good mental health can help us to feel more positive, motivated, and resilient, allowing us to cope with the challenges of daily life more effectively. Mental wellness can also improve our physical health by reducing stress and promoting healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and good sleep habits.
Ultimately, mental wellness is important because it is an essential component of overall health and well-being. Taking care of our mental health can help us to lead more fulfilling, satisfying lives, and can improve our ability to function effectively in our personal and professional lives.
Emotional Resilience and Mental Health
Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stressful situations and recover quickly from adversity. It's an important component of mental health because it allows individuals to bounce back from challenging experiences and maintain their overall well-being.
Developing emotional resilience requires individuals to learn coping mechanisms that can help them manage their emotions and deal with stressful situations. This can include practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular exercise, or seeking support from friends or family members.
How To Improve Mental Health
Improving mental health can involve a variety of strategies, depending on individual needs and circumstances. Here are some tips for improving mental health:
1. Practice self-care
Self-care involves taking time for yourself to engage in activities that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-awareness. This can include activities like exercise, yoga, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative hobbies.
2. Seek support
Talking to friends, family members, or a mental health professional (such as a wellness coach) can be an important part of improving mental health. Support from others can provide a sense of connection and validation, and can help individuals to feel more understood and less alone.
3. Build resilience
Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from challenges and adversity. Developing resilience involves building coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in activities that promote emotional wellness.
4. Manage stress
Stress can have a significant impact on mental health, so finding effective strategies for managing stress is essential. This can include practicing relaxation techniques, prioritizing self-care, and identifying and addressing sources of stress in one's life.
5. Stay connected
Social support is a key factor in maintaining good mental health. Staying connected with friends, family, and community can help individuals to feel more supported and less isolated.
6. Get enough sleep
Sleep is an essential component of overall health, and can have a significant impact on mental health. Getting enough sleep can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being.
7. Engage in physical activity
Regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental health, by reducing stress, improving mood, and promoting relaxation.
8. Seek professional help
For some individuals, professional mental health support may be necessary to improve mental health. This can include therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment.
Improving mental health is a process that requires ongoing attention and effort. By making small changes and focusing on self-care, individuals can take steps to improve their mental health and well-being over time.Â
How Holistic Counseling Improve Mental Health
Holsitic counseling is an approach that focuses on cureing a person as a whole to improve their overall well-being. This includes physical, emotional, and mental health. In terms of mental health, wellness coaching can help individuals identify and address areas of their lives that may be contributing to negative emotions, such as stress or anxiety. Wellness coaching can help individuals set goals for themselves that focus on their mental health and well-being. For example, a wellness coach may help an individual develop coping mechanisms for stress or anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness or engaging in regular exercise. By working with a wellness coach, individuals can take control of their mental health and learn how to manage their emotions more effectively.
How Can Meditation Improve Mental Health
Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus on the present moment and cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace. It has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Meditation can help individuals develop emotional resilience by teaching them how to manage their emotions more effectively. By practicing meditation regularly, individuals can learn how to calm their minds and focus on the present moment, which can help them deal with stressful situations more effectively.
How Can Yoga Improve Mental Health
Yoga is a physical practice that involves a series of postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. It has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety.
Yoga can help individuals develop emotional resilience by teaching them how to manage their emotions through physical movement and breathing techniques. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals can learn how to control their breathing and focus their minds, which can help them deal with stressful situations more effectively.
Conclusion
Mental health and wellness are closely connected, and it's important for individuals to take care of their emotional well-being. By developing emotional resilience, practicing meditation, and engaging in yoga, individuals can take control of their mental health and learn how to manage their emotions more effectively. With the help of wellness coaching, individuals can set goals for themselves that focus on their mental health and well-being, and learn how to make positive changes in their lives to improve their overall wellness.
Discover more from Aloee Wellness l Holistic Retreats & Plant Ceremonies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.