Mental health and its preservation is often neglected as a topic. But thankfully, people are becoming more aware of its significance and the rising number of mental health issues during the COVID pandemic prompted many to do their research and make a change. There are a few things we can do to take our self-care to the next level, and in the text below, we’ll discuss some of them.
Check your workload regularly
In an attempt to dispel any myths about mental health, we wanted to start the thread by talking about burnout. Trust us when we say that burnout can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness. No matter how passionate or dedicated you are to your work, symptoms of burnout can still happen through no fault of your own. The World Health Organization categorizes it as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully resolved,” and the main symptoms are a lack of energy or exhaustion, mental distancing from work, and a decrease in professional efficiency.
The trick to overcoming (or hopefully avoiding) burnout is recognizing the signs — and it all starts with checking your workload on a regular basis. Spend some time each week reviewing your to-do list–is it manageable or is it urgent? Is there anything that can be deprioritized or removed? Can you call for support, someone to help you relieve yourself a little bit? Ask yourself these questions and make sure to find an answer to each. Take the needed steps to resolve the issue and avoid burnout at any cost, as the recovery is slow and nerve-wracking.
Breathing exercises
Breathing is a vital function that allows us to live. Practically, there is no life without breathing, and that is why it is more important than taking liquids and food. Breathing represents a continuous connection with the external environment, and breathing exercises are tested and verified methods that enable better breathing and thereby strengthen immunity and give you mental clarity. As the folks at breathworkforrecovery.com explain, the method of breathwork is a simple yet effective breathing exercise that somehow muffles the sounds and noises of the mind, giving you the space and quietness to connect with your inner self and your body. The technique allows for suppressed emotions to hit the surface, but with more clarity and peace of mind, which gives you the chance to process them more effectively. If you ever felt sorrow, grief, anger, or shame, don’t hold it back as this emotional burden can only drag you down. Do yourself a favor and make sure to take the needed steps to recover completely.
Monitor your screen time and set limits
If you feel like social media is starting to affect your mental health, you might want to try limiting the amount of time you spend on social media. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Set app limits. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to completely quit social media, setting time limits on your phone can be helpful.
- Remember to take regular breaks on your desktop computer. Stopping scrolling on your phone is one thing, but do you have your Twitter feed open on your computer? Or maybe you manage all your social comments on the web? If you find yourself overwhelmed by social media, set reminders to step away from the screen.
- Turn off notifications or set a bedtime. Did you know that you can set bedtime on your mobile device? Stop notifications and constant pings with this option and ensure time for yourself until morning.
Control your social media accounts
If you work on social media or run a business that relies on social media marketing, you probably have more than one Instagram account. Unfollow accounts that make you feel uncomfortable. If you’re comparing your body, house, or lifestyle to those perfect Instagram influencers and it’s making you feel bad, unfollow them. Exclude keywords that trigger or upset you. If there’s something that’s constantly making you feel drained or depressed, it’s okay to hide it from your feed. Moreover, if you manage a social media account for business, there’s a good chance you’ll have to hide, block, or deal with negative comments all the time, and it can take a toll on your mental health.
Prioritize self-care
Think self-care is a trendy buzzword? Think again! Self-care is the act of prioritizing all aspects of your well-being so that you are strong enough to fight whatever life throws at you.
Relax with these mental health podcasts
Podcasts have helped millions of people as the proactive discussions being led by two or more individuals can have a positive effect on our overall attitude. Also, they are educational and help you learn something new every day. Educate yourself, and enjoy podcasts with a clear message to help you recover mentally.
Ask for help when you need it
If you’re struggling with your mental health at work or in private, talking about it really helps. Talking about your feelings is not a sign of weakness; it’s part of taking charge of your well-being and doing what you can to stay healthy. It can be difficult to talk about feelings with another person, but it’s rewarding in the end and helps you establish mental clarity. Remember, seeking help is no shame as it gives you a sense of relief once you find out that other people are struggling too.
We hope these tips will help you recover and become more enthusiastic about yourself and what lies ahead.