There is a common misconception surrounding mental health issues and needing labels to define conditions.
While mental health certainly includes definable conditions such as anxiety disorders and the like, it is a state of well-being that goes beyond those textbook conditions.
Good mental health is about being able to manage different emotions, adapt to change, and build strong relationships with ourselves and our loved ones.
Sadly, mental health issues are quite common among women. Women frequently experience feelings of inadequacy, and although those are difficult to manage, it is possible with the right tools.
Below are the top five mental wellness tips for women:
Boundaries
Setting boundaries is the first step to taking control of your mental wellness.
Practicing boundaries both personally and professionally helps to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy mental state. Boundaries are crucial for maintaining mental and stress reduction.
This will likely involve declining additional responsibilities and limiting exposure to situations that put you under too much pressure.
Sleep
Sleep is an essential component of good mental health.
Poor sleep contributes to stress, depression, and anxiety, and sacrificing it never ends well.
Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve the quality of your sleep. Limit screen time before bed and install ambient lighting – that will help your body unwind before you close your eyes.
Meditation
Meditation is one of the best approaches to improving mental health naturally.
It can help with depression and anxiety by helping you change the way you think about stress and negative feelings.
Meditation helps you understand your emotions and thought patterns, allowing you to find better ways to deal with stress triggers. It is an effective tool to shift your brain and body out of a typical reactionary stress response and into a calmer state of mind.
Self-Care
We all know that self-care is important, but not enough women realize what an impact it can have on their well-being. When life gets busy, self-care routines tend to take a backseat.
Prioritize your emotional, psychological, and mental wellness by dedicating an hour a week to doing something that brings you joy.
Fill your cup by starting a new hobby that helps you to relax and unwind.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most powerful mood boosters.
There is some impressive science at play when we exercise. It can take our minds off negative thoughts and concerns, and it releases endorphins – the powerful feel-good chemicals that we all know and love.
Start gradually with moderate exercise, like walking, and build up to 150 minutes weekly.
Try to be active most days of the week, but take a rest day if you feel your body needs it. The most important thing is to listen to your body and its needs.
To End
There are multiple approaches to improving your mental health that do not necessarily require prescription drugs.
While there are drugs commonly prescribed for women and men, these five natural tips above can help improve your mental well-being without coming out of a pill bottle.
