How to improve your mental health
7 tips to reduce stress and anxiety
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Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being and taking care of it is no less important than physical health care, but rather complements it. We as individuals go through many life, societal, economic, and emotional stresses that cause fatigue and depression, all of which play a big role in our mental health. Our emotional and psychological state affects our daily activities and social contact with family, friends, and the community. If you are in doubt, read here about the warning signs of mental health.
Mental health is important at every stage of life,
from childhood through adulthood.
Here are 7 tips to boost your mental health
1. Recognize that mental health is as important as physical health
Mental health conditions range from the everyday worries everyone experiences as part of their life to serious long-term conditions. Poor mental health often leaves people feeling lonely and looking for ways to be confident and happy again to overcome mental health related conditions such as depression. These conditions are very common among the youth in Jordan as they worry about getting a job, pressures from family and society and marriage expectations.
Realizing that you are not alone in this will motivate you to look for the mental health support you need and will enable you to help a sad or depressed friend if they need that support.
2. Choose kindness: Be kind to yourself and others
Kindness is the first step you can take to make a difference for yourself. Stop blaming yourself and be gentle with yourself.
When you practice kindness with the people around you too and you show them compassion, it will influence your mood and their mood in a positive way, this – in return – will create a healthier environment for you and for your own peace of mind.
3. Be mindful of the different tools
There are many tools available online and offline to help you relax and stay focused and even connect you with a network of certified healthcare providers in Jordan.
You can watch videos, read trusted blogs, exercise, practice creative arts, learn new habits, or build new cognitive and creative skills. If you are not comfortable seeking help offline at start, you can begin with seeking mental health support online through downloading and trying different apps that are trusted and have high-rating reviews.
Always make sure that the sources you turn to are reliable and credible sources – online and offline.
4. Take a break from negative social media
People can present their life on social media in a way that isn’t always the true reality, this can be stressful especially in cases where you compare your real life to what you see on social media. Moreover, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the different conflicts happening around the world, your social media feeds can be filled with news that might trigger emotions of anger, stress, frustration, and sadness. It is very important for your own well-being to protect your mental health by choosing to disconnect from such news if you are feeling this way, and to take a break from your social media platforms.
Instead, you can focus on activities such as reading, going for a walk, and talking with a good friend - you may find that it will leave you feeling more relaxed and centered.
5. Stay present and reconnect with yourself
Live in the present moment, focus on what you are doing and learn new skills to develop your personality.
Practice mindfulness to help you focus on the present without interrupting your activities with your own wandering thoughts. Try to stay away from distractions and focus on your well-being, reignite your passion for your hobbies and talk about your feelings with someone you trust. This way and step-by-step you will learn to stay content and be happy even when you are alone.
6. Calm your mind
If you are feeling helpless, angry, worried or sad, this is all completely normal. Just accept and feel your feelings and actively work on calming your mind from overthinking them:
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your forehead
- Take a few deep and slow breaths in and out
- Focus on the breath
7. Seek help
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, know that it is a sign of strength to ask for help from someone you trust or a professional helper.
“My message to young people who are suffering from mental health and life pressures: do not hesitate to reach out for help from a professional or someone you trust. Be well and vent.”
Noor Smadi, Mental Health Specialist
