1. Value Yourself.
Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and
avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite
projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle,
plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument
or become fluent in another language.
2. Take Care of Your
Body. Taking care of yourself physically can improve
your mental health. Be sure to eat nutritious meals, avoid
cigarettes, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and
EXERCISE. In fact, exercise has been shown to help decrease
depression and anxiety, and improve people's moods.
3. Surround Yourself
with Good People. People with strong family
or social connections are generally healthier than those who
lack a supportive network. Make plans with supportive family
members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet
new people such as a club, class or support group.
4.
Give of Yourself. Volunteer your time and energy to help
someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to
help someone on need - and it's a great way to meet new people.
5. Learn How to Deal
with Stress. Like it or not, stress is a part
of life. Practice good coping skills. Do Tai chi, exercise, take
a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a
stress-reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in
life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system,
ease pain relax your body and reduce stress.
6.
Quiet Your Mind. Try meditating or reaching out
spiritually through
prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state
of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that
meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of
therapy.
7. Set Realistic Goals.
Decide what you want to achieve professionally or personally,
and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim
high, but be realistic an don't over schedule. You'll enjoy a
tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you
progress toward your goal.
8.
Break Up the Monotony. Although our routines make us more
efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a
little change of pace can help perk up a tedious schedule. Alter
your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different
park, hang some new pictures, or try a new restaurant.
9. Avoid Drugs and
Alcohol. Keep alcohol use to a minimum and
avoid drugs. Substance abuse is one of society's biggest health
concerns. Sometimes people use alcohol or other drugs to
"self-medicate" the symptoms of a mental disorder, but in
reality, alcohol and drugs only aggravate mental illness.
10.
Get Help When You Need It. Seeking help is a sign of
strength - not a weakness, and it is important to remem- ber
that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can
recover from mental illness and substance abuse disorders, and
lead full, productive lives.
The mental health
tips and other information on this page were obtained from, and
copyrighted and published by, Mental Health America
www.mentalhealthamerica.net, no part of this document may be
reproduced without written consent.
