Physically fit, mentally weak: How to be sure you are healthy
Throughout life we are reminded how important it is to take care of one’s health. For most, this entails an annual physical with a primary care physician, and staying up to date on vaccinations. For others, this may include exercising, taking vitamins, and/or eating healthy. Although all of this contributes to a healthy lifestyle, one area that is often neglected is mental health.
For whatever reason even in 2018, despite the rising awareness of the importance of mental health, there is still a sense of ominousness behind the word. This could be for one of several reasons:
1) The word mental has a negative connotation
2) If you can’t see the “problem” it must not be a real issue
3) How do you even take care of your mental health?
The first factor to remember is that taking of care of your mental health should be as routine and regular as taking care of your physical health. Maintaining your mental health is also something that should never be embarrassing or shameful, similarly to physical health. Try to think of it the same way you would of eating healthy or exercising. Exercise for your mind. Here are some ways to take care of your mental health:
1) Make time to do things you enjoy- whether it is reading a book, or watching reruns of the office, give yourself time every day to do these activities.
2) Listen to your body- Yes, your body. If you feel stressed/exhausted/tired chances are you probably are. Take a step back if you can, decompress and rest, the last thing you want is to burn out.
3) Talk to someone- This could be a therapist, your friend, or even a coworker. Find someone to engage and share things with, even if they are not necessarily personal. Communication and open dialogue play a huge role in your mental health.
There you have it. Taking care of your mental health can be just as simple as taking care of your physical health, if not even more so (you can do it from the comfort of your bed). If you find yourself struggling with ways to be mentally healthy, there are also several resources you can utilize, one of them being us at Skyler Health! Tell us about your goals, struggles, or just life in general and we will work with you side by side to get you where you want to be.
-Jennifer Klajic, Skyler Health’s Director of Coaching and Therapy
Originally published at https://www.lucidlane.com on August 1, 2018.
