Mental Health Strategies for Long-Term Emotional Well-Being

author-image
Akanksha Mishra

Discussion of mental health is now a topic of primary concern, rather than a secondary discussion. Mental health should have maximum priority throughout our lives; therefore, we all need to be very mindful of our thoughts and actions toward each other. There is no end to the amount of stress we place upon ourselves from various sources each day, be it work, technology, family obligations or anything else. Fortunately, one thing we can always count on: Mental health does not occur as one big event.

This resource brings together the most successful and timeless approaches to achieving mental wellness and provides documentation of these practices for every aspect of life, both personally and professionally. These practices have stood the test of time and are designed to continue to work for you, regardless of age, job, or lifestyle. They are not fads; they are techniques rooted in human experience.

Understanding Mental Well-Being 

Mental Health

Mental health includes more than just staying away from stressful and anxiety-related situations, but it also includes continuing with the daily routine and being able to cope when life becomes difficult, and uncomfortable without becoming stressed out. 

A person who has good mental health may feel sad, angry, stressed or fearful; however, they do not allow themselves to be controlled or dominated by their feelings.

The concept of mental wellness is related to how we feel emotionally at home, how well our thoughts are coherent, and how we connect with others in society (bonding). Any of these components that are unattended will impact other aspects of life.

How to Build a Strong Mental Foundation

Structured routines are key when developing solutions for Mental Health Problems. Routine is a common thread in creating safe & secure environments for your brain to operate in. When the body is awake/sleeping/eating, the brain feels less burdened by itself and more secure than the normal day-to-day routine.

Physical activity is also essential. You don't have to perform strenuous workouts to work on your emotions. Just taking small walks around you will help with the ability to handle emotions appropriately and reduce mental exhaustion. Movement acts as the "reset" button for the mind and body.

Lastly, many people overlook the importance of "non-screen" time. It is during this time that real "restoration" occurs for the mind. Time spent doing nothing but letting your mind roam free is an incredibly beneficial experience for your brain to process your thoughts and develop better understanding of them. Whether you choose a period of quiet contemplation or write in a journal or simply sit down & relax for a while, these are just some examples of the valuable resources available for you to help you process your thoughts and improve your mental health.

The Role of Thought Awareness and Being Mindful

Mental Health

When we start to notice our thoughts without just blindly accepting them as the truth, we can improve our mental health. The majority of our stress every day comes from our internal stories, not the actual experiences outside us. 

Thinking about and developing awareness of the thoughts we typically have over time, such as blaming ourselves, having catastrophic thoughts, and comparing ourselves to others, allows us to become conscious of those habitual thought patterns. Once we are aware of these habitual patterns of thinking, they have less power over us, an individual is able to release himself/someone's self of that type of thought. 

Developing awareness of repeating types of thoughts allows for healthy emotional separation/mental distance from one’s thoughts. Emotional separation from one’s thoughts is the basis for developing, maintaining emotional balance, and mental health are achieved.

Social Connection as a Mental Health Behavior

Humans are inherently designed for connection, but many of the most valuable things in our culture isolate us from each other. Research shows that positive contact (interaction) has a significantly positive effect on the presence or absence of mental healthiness. By example, when someone listens with full attention to another person, expresses their feelings accurately and truthfully, and seeks assistance, when necessary, these are not signs of weakness; they are signs of strength. 

The individual’s mental well-being is improved by stopping the act of "carrying the weight of everything by themselves."

Strategies That Support Emotional Balance

Mental Health

  • Creating appropriate boundaries protects our thought processes and emotional state.
  • This involves being able to say "no", limiting exposure to negative-terrier media, and also respecting our own limits without feeling guilty for it.
  • A good technique is to "name" feelings; this means instead of having an impulsive reaction to an emotion, take time and just tell yourself what you feel. Just by saying it as "I am overwhelmed," actually reduces the intensity of the feeling to nearly zero.
  • By changing our internal self-talk, we also calm down our autonomic nervous system and regain some control.
  • Being thankful is another way to help balance out mental wellness.
  • Although it might seem to be denying the existence of the challenge that you're having by having gratitude; however, it helps us balance out the perspective.
  • Recognizing those small and positive experiences and moments will eventually build up emotional resilience and create better mental health.

Common Questions About Mental Well-Being

Many people question if they are investing enough time and money in their mental health. The facts are that focus on consistency, daily efforts are superior to large, once-in-a-lifetime actions.

Another question that many people have is about the link between being happy and being in a state of mental wellness. The two are different; a person who is mentally well has the ability to navigate through life's stresses, while a person who is not mentally well will have difficulty dealing with the difficulties in their life.

Professional mental healthservices are often misunderstood. Many people believe that therapy is only for times of crisis; however, therapy is no different than visiting the doctor for an annual physical.

A Sustainable Way Forward

Mental Health

The concept of mental well-being encompasses different stages. It is always changing and evolving as you gain new experiences and grow. Different situations will require a different approach; however, some things will never change you will still need to be mindful of yourself, maintain balance, be compassionate towards others, and take time for yourself.

Having a strategy to manage mental health encourages individuals to view it as a continual process, rather than simply an event that occurs when something bad happens. This may help the individual feel more relaxed and at ease, as well as grounded in their environment. With everything that is being demanded of people today, being able to establish a sense of self-becoming is probably the best thing anyone can do for themselves.

Read More: Winter Alert: Why Heart Attack Risk Rises in Cold Weather & How to Stay Safe

Mental Health