In our continuous journey towards personal growth, it's essential to turn our attention to the importance of prioritizing mental health. While mental health is becoming less stigmatized, we still have significant strides to make. Just as we care for our physical health, it's crucial to attend to our mental well-being with the same dedication and mindfulness. Here are some thoughts to consider when thinking about making your mental health a priority.
Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Health
Health is a comprehensive term encompassing various components, much like pieces of a pie. When we think of health, our minds often default to physical health. However, true well-being includes multiple facets: physical, emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual health. Each aspect plays a vital role in our overall wellness. Prioritizing mental health is just as important as caring for any other part of our well-being.
The Value of Therapy
If you haven't considered going to therapy, it's a worthwhile investment in your mental health. Therapy isn't solely for times of crisis or distress; it can be beneficial even when life is going well. Therapy helps us understand ourselves better, build self-awareness, and develop insights into our behaviors and emotions. It's a protective factor for mental health, offering support in setting boundaries, practicing assertive communication, and learning to tolerate and navigate our emotions.
Therapy also provides a safe space to work through trauma or parts of our story that feel messy. Whether you attend weekly, biweekly, or even monthly, therapy can be an invaluable resource. If you feel any shame or stigma around seeking therapy, discussing these feelings in therapy can be helpful.
Identifying Helpful and Unhelpful Habits
To prioritize mental health, it's crucial to identify what habits and behaviors are helpful or unhelpful. Unhelpful habits might include excessive social media scrolling, engaging in comparisons, poor communication, lack of boundaries, overworking, substance misuse, and negative self-talk. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step towards change.
Conversely, identify habits that support your mental health. These might include going to therapy, setting boundaries, taking mental health days or vacations, limiting work-related activities outside of work hours, and fostering supportive relationships. Evaluate which relationships are beneficial and which are detrimental to your mental well-being, including friendships, family, and romantic relationships.
Embracing the Journey of Mental Health
Remember, it's okay to acknowledge that none of us have "arrived" when it comes to mental health. We are all continuously learning, growing, and evolving. Practice self-compassion on this journey. It's a process of understanding and caring for ourselves, and it requires patience and kindness.
Prioritizing mental health is an ongoing endeavor, one that involves recognizing the importance of our well-being and taking actionable steps to nurture it. Let's continue this journey together, striving for balance and embracing the fullness of our mental health.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
At Becoming Anchored Co., we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward personal growth and well-being. Our resources, including our podcast, blog, merchandise, and online courses, are designed to inspire and empower you. We believe in the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every story is valued and honored. Our mission is to provide tools and insights that foster resilience, connection, and authenticity. Join us in our commitment to thriving and flourishing together. To explore more of what we offer and to connect with our community, drop us a note or visit our website today.
