Staying mentally healthy and taking good care of yourself – how does that work? Get to know the ‘10 steps for mental health’ and find out how you can strengthen your psyche in the long term. The 10 steps are easy to apply, effective and can be easily integrated into everyday life.
Most people know how to improve their physical health – for example, through a healthy diet and daily exercise. It is also known that a positive environment and a good work atmosphere contribute to good health. Mental health, on the other hand, is rarely addressed.
This is where „10 steps towards mental health“ comes in. It offers tips and suggestions that contribute to mental well-being and maintaining a positive outlook on life. They are intended as food for thought – try to incorporate one or more of these suggestions into your daily routine and allow yourself to be surprised!
Nobody’s perfect.
I accept myself – that means I know and use my skills, and I know what I want and need. I am aware of my body and its signals and I find that reassuring. I can recognise my feelings and make good decisions. I know my strengths and abilities, and I can accept my mistakes and weaknesses as part of me. Caring about myself means thinking about myself, even if others don’t like it. That takes courage. I set boundaries and I can sense what’s good for me and what’s not.
It starts with words.
To talk, to listen, to explain, to empathise, to express myself, to put into words the things that move me – this reduces tension and pressure. It is not always easy for those affected directly and indirectly to talk openly about their worries. However, when I gather the courage to talk to other people about my problems, both sides find new perspectives or solutions. It is natural for people to want to share joy and sorrow.
Make movement part of your life.
Physical exercise can provide balance to our frequently stressful, hectic and overstimulated lifestyle. Yet we are moving less and less. As a rule of thumb we should exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week. This could be any form of exercise longer than 10 minutes that slightly increases the heart rate and pace of breathing.
Learning is discovering!
Learning new things is like going on a journey, taking me away from everyday life, giving me new insights and raising my self-esteem. People who are open to learning are also willing to grow – both personally and professionally. The learning process not only happens on a mental level: all of our senses are engaged. It is never too late to try something new.
Friendships are invaluable.
I have close friends and we can talk about everything. Personal things remain confidential. I don’t feel pressured by them, yet I am always there for my friends when they need me. Friends are allowed to criticise me, but they accept me as I am.
Find new strength in calmness.
Find new strength in calmness. Our thought process is a continuous stream of images and thoughts; in effect, a state of constant upheaval. That’s why it is important that phases of mental activity are followed by a period of relaxation and unwinding. When we are relaxed, we feel at ease. We are calm, unfettered, yet alert. Someone who is relaxed can also take better stock of themselves and others, and make decisions without feeling under pressure. Relaxation can be achieved anywhere and costs nothing.
It takes courage to ask for help.
Asking for help shows strength, not weakness. There are people willing to help when I confide in them. I am free to ask for help and it does not mean I’m weak. Asking for help also means trusting others. It empowers me and I no longer feel like I am at the mercy of my worries or anxieties. In particularly stressful situations it is important to stay focused, to delegate tasks and to accept help. This requires trust and confidence – on all sides.
We are all creative!
Many people harbour longings, desires, fears and thoughts that they cannot express in words. Creative activities – painting, making music, crafting, cooking, picking flowers and much more – allow them to express such feelings. Creativity creates a counterbalance for the many tensions that constrain me. It enables me to relax and recharge my batteries.
People are social beings.
One of life’s most rewarding experiences is to belong to a community. It takes courage to engage with other members of the community. To participate means to share wishes, interests, abilities, fears and hopes for things that are important to me. I feel supported by and, in turn, I support my community.
People are social beings.
One of life’s most rewarding experiences is to belong to a community. It takes courage to engage with other members of the community. To participate means to share wishes, interests, abilities, fears and hopes for things that are important to me. I feel supported by and, in turn, I support my community.