Let's talk about mental health: 5 realistic ways to take care of our mind

We all tend to focus on our looks, and we forget that our mind is responsible for all that. Mental health is still a taboo. People don't like talking about their mental health, nor accept it is okay to be not okay. Mental health is not only a diagnosis. It is the way you feel inside and outside with yourself and others. It is your overall wellbeing and how you manage feelings in everyday life.

But remember, mental health is not a marathon... there is no finish line, and there is no trophy. Our mental health and wellbeing changes according to different situations we experience in life and therefore, there is always room to improve and develop new and efficient habits to feel happier, less stress and more content.

Start now

Stop waiting for when you feel at your worse to improve your mental health. Choose to start now; plus it is easier to build and change habits when one feels stronger and more powerful. "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." Take it step by step, implement each day a new habit into your everyday routine and most importantly, be aware of yourself and your wellbeing. There is no rush to win a competition, your only competition is you vs. you.

Change the way you communicate

• Say "no" when you mean no

How many times have you avoided saying "no", but instead ended up doing something you didn't want to? How many times have you said "yes" to going out with your friends but inside of you, all you really wanted to do was stay in bed and watch some netflix?

Learn to look after what you want and what you need. Learn to say "no" when you mean no, and "yes" when you mean yes, and you will enjoy experiences much more. Be true to yourself and say what YOU mean.

• Say "thank you" instead of "I'm sorry"

When you want to say "thank you" don't say "sorry". I have the bad habit of apologizing when arriving late, or even when I spend 1010 hours talking about my problems and troubles. You don't see it, but saying "sorry" makes you feel guilty when you did nothing wrong. Don't make yourself look inferior, rather have confidence to say "thank you for waiting for me", or "thank you for your patience". It is still as polite as saying"sorry for making you wait" but the way you feel afterwards changes.

Be in the moment (there is much more to mindfulness that sitting in a yoga mat and meditate)

Mindfulness doesn't require meditation, it does not require to sit still in a yoga mat and listening to peaceful music. If you like that, then go ahead, but if you are like me, and can't stand still even for a second, then here is a tip for you. Think about the present. When taking a shower, eating a meal or even walking, be aware of the sounds, smells, tastes. When you find experience a positive situation, stick to it, pay attention to every detail and don't rush it.

Being aware on how and why we feel a certain way takes practice. But begin by paying attention to when you're happy and why you're happy. Ask yourself questions, watch as you go through the day and learn from it to repeat it as much as you can and avoid feelings of anger or sadness.

Mind-Body Connection (eat good, feel good)

• Exercise (at least take a 30 mins walk)

Specially during these times, where most of us are stuck at home for loooong hours in front of a computer, and doing several zoom calls, take a break. It's always nice to take a break and distract ourselves. Instead of wasting your time, switching from one screen (computer) to another (phone) and looking at Instagram, use your time wisely and go take a walk. Put on some training shoes and take a walk around your neighborhood.

1. Walking improves your mood

2. It even helps you burn calories

3. You will sleep better a night

4. Feel accomplished

• Eat healthy (and by healthy I don't mean a simple and ordinary salad)

I have done several posts about simple ways to stay healthy from home while not drastically changing your routine. Sport is only 50% of the process, and to completed, we need a healthy and balanced diet. Here are simple tips to reach your goal faster and easier:

1. Place healthy food at first sight

2. Switch from big to smaller plates

3. Reorganize your fridge by colors to make the fruits and vegetables much more appealing

Ask for help

Taking care of our health, both physically and mentally, can be an difficult and challenging task. Especially if you're new to this, it can see unreachable sometimes. Don't be ashamed to talk about your mental health and to really say what you feel and mean. If you don't feel ready to talk to your loved ones about it, go see someone and open up. Sometimes talking is all you need to release that pressure and frustration.

Remember: ASKING FOR HELP DOESN'T MAKE YOU WEAK

---

And that is it for today. Here are my 5 realistic ways in which I manage to maintain a positive attitude, and go to bed feeling accomplished and proud of myself. Having said that, we all have bad days, and that is normal. Start by changing habits on the days you feel stronger, and taking a break when you feel at your worse.I am not saying to be an expert in controlling your emotions and having a mental inner peace every day. Just go step by step and try to implement these tips on your everyday routine.

ps: Make your mental health a priority

XoXo

Sofia's Choice