Top Tips Tuesday with Toni Barrett

Take Care of Your Mental Health

The mind is the seat of intelligence. People should be careful of what they feed it with as it can determine their choices in life. From my perspective the term mental means “relating to the mind” while health means “state of being well.” Thus, mental health refers to the mind being in a state of wellness. Mental health is a topic often suppressed by many as they are too embarrassed to share that they are not “doing well” or “not feeling okay.” It’s essential that we take our mental health seriously as our thoughts reside in our mind which eventually influences our actions. Let us discuss five tips that can aid in taking care of our mental health.

Keep things simple- when things become extremely complicated it fogs the mind and blurs thinking. Keeping things as clear as crystal and relating to them in a simple and relaxed manner is important. Worry is a rocking chair that gets you nowhere. So try not to complicate things; be as straight forward as possible with things you say and do. Information is good, on the flip side the less you know the less you process and the less you stress about it.

Talk about your feelings openly – feelings were meant to be expressed and never to be suppressed. Our culture has a hidden curriculum that has taught us otherwise. We assume that when we express our feelings it will not change the way others react to us and expressing it in the first place will be of no relevance. Expressing your feelings allow others to understand how to communicate and relate to you. Not everyone will respect this, but it is better to express than having others wondering what’s going on in that mind of yours. Expressing your feelings also helps in releasing tension.

Learn to pinpoint stressors- knowing what triggers you to become stressed can aid in your mental health. Stress is inevitable; nevertheless its effects can be decreased if you pinpoint what causes it. By this way you can decide if whatever is stressing you is worth the stress. Take it one step at a time. Rome was not built in a day.

Find simple ways to manage stress- Things are complicated when we make them. If you are allergic to milk products, do not satisfy your id just because of the how good dairy tastes. Remember the long term effects of your decision and does not allow temporary pleasure to make you endure permanent pain. Avoid things that cause you to stress as best as possible; remember this decision is in the best interest of yourself and no one else. You only live once is a term used mostly when you are about to make a detriment decision. Take risks but know your limits/boundaries because you are the only person who will be stressed due to the results. Talk to a trusted family member, practice self-care and if/when you realize it’s becoming grave please seek professional help.

Encircle yourself with positivity – Happiness is a choice. You can make happiness and positivity become an intentional project to accomplish each day. It all starts in the mind as positive thoughts influence positive actions which create a positive atmosphere. However, hosting a positive environment is important as well. Positive environs can influence positive thoughts which produce positive actions.

Mental health is all about keeping the mind in a healthy shape. This means you will do whatever it takes to never lose yourself; not in something or someone. We also have to be our brother’s keeper and keep a close watch on our children, spouse, family members, colleagues and friends who might be dealing with issues that are affecting them mentally. Most of all remember to reach out for help if you need it, give help when you see a need for it, pray for your family and friends and display kindness always.

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