It’s funny that when I tell people that I am a Psychologist, they immediately think that I only work with people who are ‘ill’ and that Psychologists only work with depression or anxiety. But in life, looking after our everyday mental health is as important as looking after our physical health. There is even a whole branch of psychology that looks at the management of good mental health and striving to be better (positive psychology). So in the ups and downs of each day, it’s essential to recognise the impact that regular maintenance of our mental health serves.
The Influence of Mental Health on Daily Life
Mental health is not merely the absence of illness but encompasses a spectrum of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that influences how we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. When our mental health is thriving (maybe the better term is ‘mental wealth’), we may feel a sense of vitality, purpose, and connection with ourselves and others. Check out positivepsychology.com for a heap of articles and resources on this topic. It is this sense of vitality and purpose that regular self care and nurturing can encourage (see more tips below).
Nurturing Connection Amidst Challenges
Our everyday mental health can profoundly influence the dynamics of our relationships, shaping how we communicate, express emotions, and connect with others. When struggling with mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety, we may find it challenging to maintain healthy boundaries, express ourselves authentically, or engage in meaningful connections with loved ones. It’s essential to recognize the impact of mental health on our relationships and prioritise open communication, empathy, and support in nurturing connection amidst challenges.
This can involve:
- Setting boundaries with a partner about when/what you talk about from work, do you prefer to leave work there or do you like to process your day;
- Engaging in sports or activities where you have a shared purpose or goal with others;
- Having a professional network where you can vent about issues specific to your work.
Navigating Everyday Mental Health at Work
Our mental health can significantly impact our performance, productivity, and satisfaction in the workplace. When grappling with stress, burnout, or other mental health concerns, we may experience difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or interacting with colleagues and clients. To navigate mental health challenges at work, it’s crucial to prioritise self-care, set realistic goals and boundaries, and seek support from supervisors or mental health professionals as needed. Additionally, creating a supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance, flexibility, and open communication can foster your well-being and success.
Strategies for Daily Life: Nurturing Resilience and Self-Care
The relationship between mental health and physical health is deeply intertwined, each influencing the other in profound ways. When experiencing mental health challenges, such as chronic stress, anxiety or depression, we may be more susceptible to physical health issues, such as insomnia, digestive problems, or weakened immune function.
On the other hand, prioritising physical health through regular exercise, eating well, and adequate sleep can positively impact our mental well-being, promoting resilience and vitality in the face of life’s challenges. Below are some simple examples of what you can do to support good baseline mental health functioning:
- Prioritise Self-Care: Find some time each day (could even just be 10 minutes) for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, whether it’s practising mindfulness, engaging in creative hobbies, or spending time in nature.
- Seek Support: From research we know that having a support network is crucial in good mental health. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support and guidance when facing challenges or difficult emotions. You do not need to be talking about ‘deep’ issues with them, just the human contact is the most important part.
- Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness and acceptance of the here and now by practising mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. There are some great resources out there for meditation (Smiling Mind app) and some fantastic authors on this as well (John Kabat-Zinn, Russ Harris).
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in your relationships and commitments to protect your well-being and prioritise self-care. Remember, boundaries are for you and not for other people, they detail how we are going to respond if someone steps over the line, they do not dictate what others can and cannot do.
Embracing Mental Health as a Vital Aspect of Daily Life
As you navigate the complexities of daily life, remember that mental health is a vital aspect of your well-being that deserves attention, care, and compassion. By acknowledging the impact of mental health on various aspects of your life and embracing coping strategies and self-care practices, you can navigate challenges with resilience and authenticity.
If you are looking for some assistance in relation to your everyday mental health, please feel free to Contact me.