Our mental health impacts every aspect of our daily lives. It can interfere with how we connect with others, degrade our physical health, and leave us exhausted with no seeming cause. Prioritizing our mental health isn’t something that society encourages. Instead, we are encouraged to “buck up,” “muscle through,” and otherwise go about our lives like nothing is wrong. This thinking leads millions of Americans to neglect their mental health, leaving these issues to impact every area of their lives. Family Psychiatry & Therapy strives to teach our patients and their families how to place their own mental and emotional well-being first in their lives.
Techniques To Help Prioritize Your Mental Health
The first and arguably most crucial step to prioritizing your mental health is learning how to practice self-care. Self-care looks different for everyone, so you must learn what helps you build your mental and emotional resources. Some patients find meditation valuable, simply quieting their minds and being in the moment. Others spend time in a warm bath or participating in hobbies they are passionate about, such as gardening, programming, or window shopping. Two things that benefit everyone are ensuring you get a sufficient amount of sleep and eating healthily. These techniques help you reduce stress, take care of your physical health, and develop healthy habits. Other tips for prioritizing your mental health include:
- The Power Of No – This one can be difficult, especially if you’ve been raised to believe you should prioritize others’ needs before your own. Being able to tell others no by refusing to take on additional responsibilities, attending gatherings you don’t want to be at, or other demands on your time and emotional energy is healthy. You have to prioritize yourself and what you need above that of others to ensure you have the energy left to give to those who deserve your time.
- Living In The Moment – Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. Too often, we agonize over the past or worry about some potential future rather than being aware of what’s around us in the present. Let the past be the past, and allow the future to arrive when it comes. This doesn’t mean not planning, mind you. Instead, it means turning your attention to the present when those plans have been made.
- Stay Social, Within Reason – While it’s essential to keep the power of no in mind, we must also realize that we are social animals. Connections with other people are crucial for our mental health and overall happiness. While ensuring that you aren’t overcommitting, keeping your connection with people who aren’t toxic is essential.
Schedule A Visit With Our Team For More Guidance
It can be a struggle to prioritize your mental health, especially in the modern rat race. However, you must ensure that it’s a priority in your life. When you call Family Psychiatry & Therapy at (201) 977-2889, you’ll connect with a team that can help you develop techniques that help maintain and protect your mental health every day.
