Building a Lifestyle That Prioritises Mental Wellness
Dreaming of a life that prioritizes mental health every day?
Mental health is something a lot more people are talking about these days. No longer reserved for those facing a crisis or hardship, maintaining mental wellness is a goal millions of people have adopted to help them feel happier, think clearer, and live better.
But how exactly do you build that kind of lifestyle?
Let’s dive in
Creating a lifestyle dedicated to mental health isn’t as difficult as you might think. There’s no need to enroll in expensive programs or spend hours meditating each day. But you will need to put in the work and learn some key strategies.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why Mental Health Should Be Your Main Focus
- How Mental Health Affects Addiction
- Lifestyle Changes That Encourage Mental Health
- Creating Your Routine
Why Mental Health Should Be Your Main Focus
Your mental health affects every aspect of your life.
How you handle stress. How you make decisions. How you relate to others. When your mental health falters, everything in your life becomes more difficult. Your job feels like a chore. Relationships become draining. Even taking care of your basic needs can feel like a struggle.
…and did you know?
Mental health and addiction often go hand-in-hand. According to recent data, approximately 34.5% of adults with mental illness also suffer from a substance use disorder.
That’s why putting together a lifestyle that focuses on wellness is so important. Preventative measures and daily habits can make a huge impact before problems become severe.
How Mental Health Affects Addiction
Did you know that addiction and mental health have a very close connection?
Consider this…
When people are struggling with anxiety, depression, drug or alcohol addiction, trauma, or any other mental health concern they are often seeking relief. Whether that relief comes from drugs or alcohol.
While this can provide temporary relief in the moment, it often leads to bigger problems down the road.
That’s why finding the right addiction treatment near Vienna VA is so important. Someone who is struggling with both mental health concerns and addiction needs an addiction treatment center that can address both issues together. When you address both problems you are far more likely to succeed at treatment.
Addiction rarely improves if your mental health hasn’t been treated as well.
Lifestyle Changes That Encourage Mental Health
Improving your mental wellness does not have to be overwhelming.
Small changes can make a big impact over time. By building healthy habits into your daily life you can create a foundation that supports your emotional wellbeing and prevents future problems.
Here are a few things to try:
Sleep
Your sleep schedule can make or break your mental health.
When you don’t get enough sleep you may feel moody. You may experience more anxiety. You may find it difficult to focus on even the simplest tasks. Ensuring you get enough quality sleep each night can change your mental wellness faster than anything else.
Try to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed at the same time each night. Stop looking at screens 30 minutes before bed. These small steps can help you improve your sleep quality almost immediately.
Movement
Exercise is magical when it comes to your mental health.
Not only does moving your body release feel-good chemicals into your brain, but it also helps you reduce stress. Something as simple as a 20-minute walk can change your perspective. You don’t have to run marathons or spend hours in the gym to see results.
Just get moving!
Build Relationships
We are social creatures by nature.
Isolation and loneliness are some of the leading causes of mental health problems. By building strong relationships with others you can stave off depression and anxiety. Call a friend. Take a walk with a loved one. Connecting with others is good for your mental wellness.
Limit Alcohol And Drugs
This one should be a no-brainer but bear with us…
Avoiding alcohol and drugs is vital when it comes to your mental health. Alcohol and drug use can disrupt your sleep patterns, cause you to feel more anxious, and make you feel like you need to use more just to feel normal. The less you consume, the easier it will be for your brain to stay balanced.
If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, getting help from an addiction treatment center can help you address your sobriety as well as any underlying mental health issues you may have.
Manage Stress
Stress is a part of life. We all experience it.
However, how you deal with that stress will determine the effects it has on you. By having a game plan for managing stress you can avoid it from taking over your life. Learn deep breathing techniques. Start journaling. Go for a walk outside. Find what works for you and use it daily.
Creating Your Routine
Starting your journey towards better mental health can seem daunting.
But it doesn’t have to be. Start small and build from there. Focus on one or two things at a time and slowly add to your routine as those things become habitual.
Here is an example you can use as a guide:
Morning: Start your day with some type of movement or meditation. Doesn’t have to be much, just five minutes will do.
Afternoon: Step away from your work. Get some fresh air. Connect with another human being.
Evening: Create a routine before bed that allows you to wind-down from the day. Make sure you’re prioritizing sleep.
It’s not about how intensely you follow these steps but that you show up each day. Over time these tiny steps will lead to big changes.
Seeking Professional Treatment
While many people can improve their mental wellness by making changes to their lifestyle, that is not always the case.
If you find that your symptoms are getting worse or you’re having trouble functioning day-to-day it may be time to seek professional help. Just like with addiction, reaching out for help is a strength not a weakness. Recovery is possible.
Some signs you may need extra support:
- You’ve Been Feeling Down Or Anxious For An Extended Period Of Time
- You’re Having Trouble Functioning At Work Or Home
- Drug Or Alcohol Use Has Become Out Of Control
- You’re Experiencing Thoughts Of Self-Harm
According to the SAMHSA 2024 report, only 52.1% of adults with mental illness received treatment.
That means almost HALF of the people who needed help didn’t get it.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Contact a treatment facility near you and speak to someone about your options. You are not alone, and with the right help there is hope for recovery.
Wrapping It Up
Live life on purpose.
The tips above can help you build a lifestyle dedicated to improving your mental health. By making sure you focus on getting enough sleep, moving your body daily, building strong relationships, limiting alcohol/drug use, and managing stress you can improve your mental wellness. Start with one of the tips above and build from there.
