Mental Health Self-Care: 8 Tips to Maintain a Positive Mindset

The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights that around 264 million people are impacted by depression on a global scale, and this number may be rising in the face of the pandemic. As regulations change after the 2020 pandemic, more people feel pressure to socialise, take their careers to the next level and live life to the fullest. While these may seem like good intentions, many of us have spent over a year in isolation, living life entirely differently. This time may have changed how we view our lifestyles and our capacity to take on multiple endeavours. That said, in this article, we outline why investing your time in self-care may be the key to feeling more fulfilled and energised throughout your days.

 

Why is Self-Care Important?

 

It’s no secret that “going back to normal” after a pandemic is much more complex than we anticipated. Many individuals are reporting feeling exhausted and burnt out after one social event. Our energy capacity has transformed over the past two years, but we still expect ourselves to perform as we did pre-pandemic.

 

Implementing measures to help us transition into a “new normal” may be essential for improving mental wellness. Self-care in its simplest form is the act of looking after yourself holistically. By dedicating some time to yourself, it gives you much-needed space for relaxation.

 

A regular self-care practice is similar to maintenance. By doing short activities each week, you are preventing burnout, poor rest, and concentration.

 

Types of Self-Care:

 

• Emotional Self-Care;
• Physical Self-Care;
• Spiritual Self-Care;
• Mental Self-Care;
• Social Self-Care.

 

It can seem overwhelming trying to account for each area of self-care. However, a sufficient self-care practice may include a simple check-in with yourself to see if you’re neglecting any areas. Even 10 minutes of each per week can go a long way.

 

Although we’re discussing mental wellness, each aspect plays a role because health is holistic and complex. In our tips, we discuss ways to care for your mental health, including some that may overlap with other areas of self-care.

 

8 Tips to Maintain a Positive Mindset

 

How you manage your mental health will be unique to you, but we have compiled these self-care ideas and tips if you need some inspiration. Experiment with your self-care practice to find what works for your well-being.

 

Tip #1 – Journaling

 

A journaling practise is an excellent way to understand your mindset and switch up your mentality. Anecdotal reports suggest that some people who journal experience increased self-confidence, remember things better, and feel more positive about their lives. Some individuals enjoy writing what’s on their minds, giving them a space to express themselves, and being honest with their feelings.

 

There are many journaling techniques, including gratitude practice, guided journaling questions, and “stream of consciousness” writing.

 

Tip #2 – Exercise

 

It’s common knowledge that exercise may affect the body’s ‘happy hormones,’ promoting motivation, self-confidence, and pleasure. Regular movement is an excellent way to care for your mind by caring for your body. Some people prefer gentle exercise in the form of yoga which many find to benefit mental wellness.

 

Tip #3 – Mindfulness

 

Meditation and mindfulness have become an integral part of many morning routines. In short, mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment. Some people find meditation helpful when they can’t stop thinking about past or future worries. A regular meditation practice may promote feelings of relaxation, enhance self-awareness and ground you in the present moment.

 

Start with a short meditation of up to 5 minutes each day and slowly increase each week.

 

Tip #4 – Getting a Proper Sleep

 

Sleep is the foundation of wellness. It is the mind and body’s way of recharging and repairing after a day of activities. When you miss out on those vital hours of rest, it may have a domino effect on the rest of your life. You may enjoy implementing a calming nighttime ritual to help you fall asleep content.

 

Try switching your phone on at least an hour before you plan to sleep. You can incorporate some calming tasks like reading, using CBD oil, lighting a candle, or listening to music with this time.

 

Tip #5 – Try a CBD Supplement

 

CBD may be a part of a calming routine for many people. As we’ve seen, it is sometimes used alongside a nighttime routine to promote better rest. CBD originates from hemp, a variation of cannabis plants; it is a non-intoxicating supplement that may enhance relaxation and contribute to a whole lifestyle.

 

Many people like to use CBD oil for sleep, low moods or as part of their daily routine. Why not try a couple of drops of CBD oil under your tongue or in a warm drink to promote feelings of happiness and contentment. Or, even better, consider trying delicious yet beneficial CBD infused gummies from Naturecan CBD.

 

Tip #6 – Release your Emotions

 

When someone suppresses their emotions, it can cause the energy to remain dormant in the body; these emotions tend to come back stronger and unexpectedly. Having measures to manage your feelings and approach them healthy can go a long way for your mental health. Whether you find release through crying, writing, exercise, or even music, everyone has different methods for releasing emotions and the energy that accompanies them.

 

Tip #7 – Reach Out to a Support Circle

 

An essential part of sustaining a healthy relationship with your mind is reaching out to the people around you. Having a solid support circle can be the difference between feeling loved and supported or feeling like you’re facing your mental battles alone. Spending time with loved ones may play a role in social self-care, but it is also a great way to care for your mental well-being too.

 

Tip #8 – Set Small Achievable Goals

 

Setting small achievable goals is an excellent method to keep your mind focused on something positive. Having something to work towards and put your energy into makes your mind less likely to wander into negative thoughts. That said, when life gets overwhelming, it’s good to keep goals realistic. A goal may even include doing self-care for your mental health once a week, calling a friend, or completing a small task that you’ve been putting off.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Self-care has become a trend over the last year, but it may be one to stay! A regular, holistic self-care practice could benefit your entire well-being. We hope this article has inspired you to try some new relaxation techniques and activities that will stay with you throughout your life.