Building and keeping strong relationships is an important part of your mental health, but most important is the one with yourself. If you’re constantly worrying about the needs or desires of others without considering your own, it might be time to reflect on how you can make changes to improve your self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental health.
We’ve gathered some mental health tips that go beyond the basics you’ve heard before. Go a little deeper in your self-care and reap the benefits.
Say “no” and take back control.
When was the last time you said “no” when someone asked you to do something? If you enjoy helping friends and family, it’s probably been a while. And though we want to be generous with our time and energy, we may not always be available or capable of being there for others. Feeling empowered to say “no” or “not right now” can help you set healthy boundaries and build your confidence.
You may be busy, or tired, or just don’t feel like it. Understanding that your feelings matter, just as much as friends, colleagues, or loved ones, is a form of self-care. There are many ways to decline invitations politely, or suggest another time when you know you’ll feel capable or interested in getting involved.
Remember, you don’t have to give excuses for why you can’t do something. You might feel guilty about saying “no” or you might apologize, but practicing setting healthy boundaries allows you to feel comfortable about prioritizing your time and energy.
Unsubscribe from outside opinions.
We all value the opinions of friends and loved ones, but when you find yourself constantly listening to the advice of others over your own judgment, it can shake your own sense of values and perspective.
It might be helpful to take a step back and think about why you’re always listening to others over your own intuition. Do you not trust your own actions or decisions? Are you worried about disappointing the people expressing their opinions?
Remember, you don’t have to live up to other people’s opinions. Plus, it’s helpful to keep a healthy perspective on where that advice is coming from. Unless you’re consulting a professional, all anyone can give is their own opinion — which is likely as educated as your own.
Constantly doubting yourself and trying to make each decision perfectly can be exhausting. Everyone makes mistakes, and learning from them propels us to make better decisions next time. Truly, sometimes the best advice you can take is your own.
Learn to power down and walk away.
Before the days of constant connectivity, it was easier to keep your work and life hours separate. Now, if you’re not always available for an afterhours ping, you might feel lazy or irresponsible.
But working non-stop does more harm than good. You’ll feel drained and less productive overall. Overworking creates stress and can prevent you from focusing on good eating and sleeping habits. And if that doesn’t convince you, a recent study found that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease!
“Work life balance” should not just be a buzz phrase. Try to recognize signs of overworking and burnout in yourself. Physical and emotional signs can include:
- Aches and pains
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Loss of motivation
- Increased irritability
- Feelings of helplessness or disconnection
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Using unhealthy coping mechanisms
Don’t feel guilty about closing your laptop at a reasonable hour. Remember the work will be there waiting for you tomorrow.
Are your relationships dragging you down?
Healthy relationships are critical for your mental health, but when you find yourself in a toxic dynamic, it can negatively impact your quality of life. And we’re not just talking about romantic relationships – it could be a family member, like a parent, sibling, or other relative, or friend. Look for signs that your relationship is toxic:
- Lack of respect
- Control or manipulation
- Constant criticism
- Lack of effective communication
- Emotional or physical abuse
If you’re in an abusive situation, it’s important to seek help immediately. Reach out to a trusted friend, loved one, or therapist. If there’s no immediate danger, it might just be time to plan your exit strategy. Remember that you deserve happiness and respect.
Get extra support.
Learning to trust and take care of yourself might be challenging if you’re taking your first steps to do so. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Working with a licensed professional to set you on the right path can help you work towards your goals.
MindGlow Health offers talk therapy and psychiatry through online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns.
Learn more about our convenient, secure, trusted services today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.
