Improving Your Mental Health

Improving Your Mental Health is a sponsored post written on behalf of Movin’. For more information please see my disclosure policy.
Improving your mental health can seem overwhelming, with many not knowing where to start. Learn five small ways that will help with stress relief, giving a bit of hope for brighter days.
Mental health is a hot topic of conversation these days. Between the ever-increasing productivity expectations, social media, a global pandemic, and inflation, it is no surprise that there has been an increase in mental health problems, particularly in younger people. While it will take a lot of moving parts to fix the underlying problems that are causing this mental health crisis, read on to find out some small ways you can help yourself or share with a friend to improve your mental health. 

Take Time for You

Helping others, being an overachiever at work, maintaining friendships, being the perfect parent – the list goes on and on. The expectations that we have of us on a day-to-day basis keep growing. Meeting these expectations is wonderful; but as the wise say, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

When you spend every waking second doing things for other people, you risk draining your mental energy. It is so important to carve some time out of your day or week to do things that you enjoy, and that make you feel like you. Some people find it difficult to make time for these things. One way to force yourself to make time is to write down what you will be doing and when in your planner or schedule. Make sure those around you know that you will be busy during this time. When you’re done with your “you” time, you will be refreshed and better prepared to take on the world again.

Use your Resources

If you feel yourself falling into a slump, take a step back and look at what resources you have available to you that could assist. Something that always helps me feel better is chatting with my close friends or family – even if it isn’t specifically about my problems! Sometimes just going on a walk can make me feel more like myself. If you do feel like discussing your mental health with friends and family, oftentimes the people who know you best can provide some good advice and input. 

Do you have fur babies? Cuddles with my dogs are another way I destress. The National Alliance on Mental Illness mentions in this article that playing with dogs elevates levels of dopamine and oxytocin, helping you to feel better.

If you’re not feeling up to spending time with people or pets, there are resources you can use that don’t require socialization. One quick search in your phone’s app store for “mental health” gives a long list of apps that are designed to be useful in improving your mental health. Alternatively, some people find that keeping an old-fashioned pen-and-paper journal and writing down their thoughts and feelings can be very helpful.

Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself

While it can sometimes feel like you’re on your own, you more than likely have more help than you think! If you need some alone time but have young kids, hire a babysitter or see if friends or family can help out. If your work responsibilities have become overwhelming, talk with your supervisor to discuss options to delegate tasks and reduce your workload.

If you are thinking of relocating or have heavy objects you need to move, consider hiring a moving company rather than taking on that burden yourself. If you do search for a moving company, make sure to look through reviews carefully. You’ll want to choose one that can handle it all. For example, Movin’ is not only skilled in just residential moves, but they also do commercial moving in Utah, storage, home staging, packing, and more. It’s like a one-stop shop, which makes things way less stressful on you. THAT is the kind of company you need to search for.

Cut out the Negative

Analyzing what it is in your life that is affecting your mental health negatively and taking steps to remove it is a great way to improve your mental state. If you have a job that drains your energy, begin searching for a new job. Even just the act of looking for a new job can give you that boost of hope that you need.

If someone in your life is constantly a source of negativity, cut down on the amount of time you spend with them. If seeing certain people or posts on social media gets you down, block or unfollow those people, or give up social media for a period of time (or indefinitely). You are more important than anything else you could see.

Get Professional Help

While getting professional help might seem like an obvious answer when you have concerns about your mental health, there is an unfair and unnecessary stigma attached to seeking professional help such as a psychiatrist or therapist. If you feel self conscious about seeking help from a professional, remind yourself that they exist for a reason, many people from all walks of life seek help, and no one has to know if you decide to seek help! I personally feel that anyone, regardless of mental health status, could benefit from talking with an unbiased therapist. If you are concerned about your mental health, seeking professional help is always recommended.

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