Simple Ways to Boost Your Mental Wellness

When you have mental wellness, you are healthier in every aspect of life. But you may not know the definition of mental wellness and the ways that you can boost it. That’s what we’re talking about today.

Why mental wellness matters

Your level of mental wellness shows how your mind is either healthy or suffering. It is not the same as mental illness because those disorders affect only about 15% of the world’s population. Instead, mental wellness is a measure that applies to everyone, since each one of us can be affected by negative or positive influences at any given time.

Mental wellness also applies to those who do suffer from mental illness because they can take steps to preserve their mental wellness too.

The World Health Organization defines mental wellness in this way: “[Mental wellness is] a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” This definition clearly shows that mental wellness is more about developing coping skills rather than simply pursuing happiness.

The hard things in life can have a negative impact on your mental wellness. Things like chronic stress, anxiety, anger, and loneliness are negative emotions that influence your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Once you are aware of how these negative emotions impact your mental wellness, you can take steps to improve the way you see the world.

When you have mental wellness, you will be at peace in most aspects of your life. You will experience contentment in your relationships, workplace, level of personal growth, and connection with God.

But when your mental wellness is off-center, you will lack peace in these areas and experience an increase in negative emotions. Fortunately, a qualified Christian counselor can help you improve your mental wellness when you are facing life struggles.

Negative impacts on your mental health

The following is a list of signs that you might need help developing stronger coping mechanisms for the stress you are facing. If you recognize any of these signs in your life, a Christian counselor can help you reduce the negative impacts on your mental wellness.

• Lack of energy.
• Feeling detached or numb.
• Wanting to withdraw from social activities you once enjoyed.
• Lack of interest in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed.
• Experiencing a lack of motivation in your day-to-day tasks.
• Inability to concentrate at work or home.
• Not eating enough or overeating.
• Experiencing disruptions in sleeping patterns.
• Feeling irritable and irrationally angry with family, friends, or pets.
• Feeling anxious, moody, or edgy when triggered.
• Using addictive behaviors to escape.
• Feeling helpless or hopeless.

Many of these symptoms can also indicate anxiety or depression, so be sure to schedule an appointment with a Christian counselor to receive a correct diagnosis. A counselor can also help you form strategies for dealing with these stressors. Meeting with the counselor will help you gain a valuable third-party perspective in which you can learn practical ways to cope with stress.

Simple ways to boost your mental wellness

Here are simple suggestions of ways you can boost your mental wellness. Try them one at a time and see which ones work best for you.

Creativity

When you are creative, you use different parts of your brain that you might not use in your daily work. This can feel activating and engaging, and it can revitalize your mindset. You don’t have to be an excellent artist to enjoy creativity.

Simply use whichever medium you like, such as drawing, crafting, sewing, crocheting, or any other artistic activity. Remember that activities such as gardening, cooking, dancing, and play-acting are all forms of creativity as well.

Learning

Just because you may have completed school doesn’t mean that your brain wants to stop learning. If it has been some time since you learned a new skill, you can sign up for an in-person or online class. You can watch YouTube videos to learn how to do new things for free. You can also try puzzles, games, and books in different genres to boost your mental wellness.

Fitness

You likely know that exercise is good for your physical body. But it also works to boost your mental wellness by producing natural highs as you release endorphins. When you exercise for at least thirty minutes per day, your body will also have better serotonin regulation, which will boost your mood.

You don’t need to get a single session of exercise in; instead, try three ten-minute workouts spread throughout your day to keep your brain and body in shape.

Self-care

Proper self-care involves several aspects of caring for your mind and body. Treating your body right includes prioritizing sleep, eating healthy foods, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and exercising every day.

You also need to take time each day, week, and month to focus on caring for yourself. You can choose any activity that feels restful and rejuvenating. This might be a cozy bubble bath, a manicure or pedicure, or a daily relaxation routine. You can boost your mental wellness when you make self-care a high priority.

Christian meditation

Many studies have proven that meditation lowers your blood pressure, improves concentration, strengthens your immune system, and empowers your sense of well-being. The difference between worldly meditation and Christian meditation is a focus on God’s word.

Each day, use a few minutes to focus intently on a chosen verse of scripture. While you think carefully about this verse, ask God to teach you through it. The more you send her your thoughts on the truths in God’s word, the greater peace you will experience in your mind and body.

Sensory engagement

Many of us experience a lack of peace because the pace of our lifestyles is too fast. You can learn to relax and slow down by intentionally engaging your senses for a few moments each day.

For example, you can practice sensory engagement at each meal that you consume. As you are eating, think about how your meal tastes, looks, smells, sounds, and feels. You can practice sensory engagement in nature, in your home, or at work. In these moments of mindfulness, you can praise God for the gift of your five senses and connect with him through prayer.

Sabbath rest

You probably know that observing the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments. However, you may struggle to rest on the Sabbath every week. But you can boost mental wellness by developing a rhythm of observing the Sabbath. Corporate worship blesses you with songs, Bible readings, teachings in the sermon, and fellowship with other believers. But Sabbath rest is not just about going to church.

At home, you can rest by taking a nap or doing a personal Bible study. The Sabbath is also a good time to reconnect with family members and friends. Once you learn to stop working and rushing on the Sabbath, you will have greater mental wellness.

Gratitude

A daily gratitude practice has been proven by many scientific studies to boost mental wellness. You can keep a dedicated gratitude journal in which you can write down three to five things each day for which you are grateful. Even when you are facing negative circumstances, intentionally practicing gratitude will help you focus on what’s positive. You can always thank God for who he is and how he has been faithful to you over the years.

Socializing

God created us to live in community with others. You will boost your mental wellness when you spend time socializing with family and friends. If it’s not possible to meet someone in person, connect with that last person every day through phone calls, FaceTime, or Zoom calls. The face-to-face connection will be far more meaningful and satisfying than simply texting or interacting on social media.

Connect with a Christian counselor

To maximize your mental wellness, you may need to speak to a Christian counselor who can address deeper issues. Much of your mental wellness depends on these daily rhythms; however, you may need specific help in unhealed areas. A Christian counselor is trained to recognize your sticking points and help you overcome them for greater mental wellness. Reach out to us today to schedule your first session with a caring counselor.