Mental health involves more than seeing Dr. Alejandra Suzuki in Irvine for diagnosis and treatment. It is also about how you cope with stressful situations and how you relate with people around you. While taking control of your mental health could involve seeking psychiatric care, it helps to know you can navigate life by yourself. As the Americas TMS Center team suggests, adjusting your mental health can improve your quality of life. Here are some measures you can take to regain control of your mental health.
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Be Optimistic
Everyone is going through trying situations but how they cope is what matters. If you face a stressful situation that is putting a toll on your life, now is the best time to be optimistic. Form the habit of thinking positively. Every day you wake up, tell yourself that you will make it even if your chances are slim. For example, if you are supposed to go for a job interview, you can focus on your strengths. Learning how to speak positively instills a sense of self-worth.
Engage in Physical Exercises
Mental illness can make you withdraw from interacting with other people. All you can think of is being alone and doing nothing. However, staying inactive will not do you any good. The best way to avoid aggravating your mental health symptoms is by engaging in physical activities. Even if you are not physically fit, try a walking exercise. That way, your body will produce endorphins that help reduce stress, boosting your mood in the process.
You Are What You Eat
Food provides nutrients to vital parts of your body, including your brain. Starch or carbohydrates have mood-calming properties that stabilize your brain activities. On the other hand, proteins produce brain alert hormones. Vegetables and fruits provide food to every cell of your body. Incorporating all these food nutrients can boost your mood and restore cell production in your brain.
Avoid Bottling Your Emotions
Some people prefer staying quiet about their problems because they fear what others might think of them. Deciding to keep quiet might make you look mature, but it can overwhelm your brain to the point of not thinking straight. If you are going through a stressful situation like a divorce, talk it out with someone who has your best interests at heart. When you confide in someone, you make them feel important in your life.
Offer a Helping Hand
The act of giving does not need to be big or small. What matters is that it comes from the bottom of your heart. For example, you can help a blind beggar cross the road and offer some food. Alternatively, you can rescue a stray cat by finding a forever home. Such small acts of kindness can enrich your life and boost your mental health.
Mental health is more than seeing a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. No matter what you may be going through, start by practicing these five tips. To find out if you need mental health services, schedule a consultation with your psychiatrist today.