Why should I make taking care of my mental health a higher priority?
It can be easy to put off taking greater care of your mental health and your mind can come up with all sorts of reasons, excuses, and justifications not to do so:
I'm tired
I don't have time
It's too much effort
It takes too long
I have other more urgent things to do
I would have to sacrifice XXXX
Other things feel more important and essential
etc etc...
To overcome all that avoidance thinking, it's worth exploring the numerous benefits and positive impacts of taking better care of your mental health can have on your overall well-being. Here are some potential benefits you may experience:
Improved Emotional Well-being: Prioritising your mental health can lead to better emotional regulation, increased self-awareness, and an enhanced overall mood. You may experience more positive emotions and a greater sense of contentment and happiness.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Implementing self-care practices can help you manage stress more effectively. You can experience a decrease in anxiety and stress levels, as well as improved coping mechanisms for handling challenging situations.
Increased Resilience: By investing in your mental health, you can develop your resilience, supports your ability to bounce back from adversity. You can find it easier to navigate setbacks, cope with life's challenges, and adapt to change.
Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Good mental health promotes improved concentration, focus, and memory. By taking care of your mental well-being, you can experience increased mental clarity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Better Relationships: Mental health impacts your relationships with others. By prioritising your well-being, you can establish healthier boundaries, communicate more effectively, and cultivate stronger connections with loved ones.
Boosted Productivity: When your mental health is in a good state, you are likely to be more productive and efficient in various areas of your life, including work, studies, and personal projects.
Increased Self-esteem and Self-confidence: Taking care of your mental health fosters greater self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-worth. You can develop a more positive self-image and belief in your abilities, leading to greater self-confidence and happiness in your life.
Better Physical Health: Mental and physical health are interconnected. When you prioritise your mental well-being, you are more likely to engage in healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, which more positively impact your physical health.
Improved Problem-solving and Decision making: A healthy mind is better equipped to analyse situations, consider multiple perspectives, think outside the box, and make sound decisions. Taking care of your mental health can enhance your problem-solving skills and decision making abilities.
Overall Quality of Life: By investing in your mental health, you can experience an improved quality of life, and feel more fulfilled, satisfied, and engaged in your personal and professional pursuits.
Everyone's experience is unique, and the benefits may vary from person to person. It's important and helpful to seek professional help and support if you're struggling with your mental health to develop a person-centred/personalised plan for taking care of your well-being.
At the end of the day, the costs of not taking greater care of your mental wellbeing far outweigh the costs of investing in it.
How are you taking care of your mental health today?