What is good mental health?

A huge factor in mental health is a person’s ability to have realistic expectations. 

When someone has an unrealistic expectation of themselves or others, it can lead them to be unhappy and dissatisfied. 

So, it’s important to make sure your expectations are both appropriate for your life situation and age-appropriate for you.

Why Do We Need Good Mental Health?

Good mental health is important for a variety of reasons. For example, being in a good mental state helps you to:

  • Make better decisions
  • Make it easier to cope with life’s challenges and difficulties
  • Build better relationships with others 

When you invest in improving your mental wellbeing, your life improves.

How to Get Started on Improving Your Mental Health

People react differently to stress and have different needs and anxieties. People are also affected to various degrees by the same events.

These differences can make it difficult to tell what is going on in your own mind and how you should respond. 

If you feel stressed or depressed, your best bet is to start small first – a few minutes of recharging or doing something new, like reading about the positive benefits of a regular exercise program or just taking a walk around the block. 

Then see what happens when you do this more often.

If you are going through a particularly tough time, you should seek professional help. Visit a mental health professional such as a psychologist who has a doctorate in psychology or a counselor who is able to give you some direction.

Things You Can Do to Help

Working with a mental health professional is a good idea, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself too.

Here are some ideas for ways to improve your mental health while working with a professional:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep and eat healthy food
  • Take regular breaks from the computer and bright lights
  • Get involved in activities that make you feel good about yourself, like playing sports, taking a long walk, or doing a hobby that is fun to do on your own, like painting or knitting
  • Try to talk with someone close to you on the phone each day – even if it’s just talking about nothing important
  • Join a group or club, like a book club, football team, or church group
  • Find ways to help yourself relax and relieve stress – try deep breathing, meditation, listening to relaxing music, or taking a hot bath
  • Make sure you take the time to do things that make you happy and help keep your spirits up

Improving your mental health is important for both you and society, but if you’re struggling to afford your lifestyle, it can be hard to manage. 

Talking is one of the most important ways to destigmatize mental health, and when you’re feeling lost, this is a great place to start.

Seeing your life through the right lens makes all the difference in how you live it.