10 Tips for Your Mental Health

Try some or all of the 10 tips below to help find the right balance in your life during uncertain times. If you are receiving treatment for a mental illness, these tips can help you manage your disorder and support your treatment and recovery.
1. VALUE YOURSELF. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, or broaden your horizons by trying new things.
2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to eat nutritious meals, avoid cigarettes, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and EXERCISE.
3. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE. People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network.
4. GIVE OF YOURSELF. Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good doing something to help someone in need, and it's a great way to meet new people.
5. LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS. Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills. Exercise, take a walk, or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also remember to smile and see humor in life.
6. QUIET YOUR MIND. Try meditating or reaching out spiritually through prayer. Relaxation can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research has shown that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.
7. SET REALISTIC GOALS. Decide what you want to achieve professionally or personally and write down the steps you need to take to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't overschedule.
8. BREAK UP THE MONOTONY. Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change or pace can help perk up a tedious schedule.
9. AVOID DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol or other drugs to "self-medicate" the symptoms of a mental disorder. But in reality, alcohol and drugs only aggravate mental illness.
10. GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective and can allow you to lead a full, productive life.
To learn more, call our clinical assessors toll-free day or night at:
1-877-473-7766 or in Christian County call 881-9551.