Mental health can be difficult to prioritize, with almost one in five people currently coping with a mental illness according to the National Mental Health Institute.
According to Forbes Health, here are the top 8 pieces of expert advice for managing your mental health in 2022.
Know You’re Not Alone
“Seek professional support if you need, and know that it is normal to have periods of difficulty and stress where you might need to enlist the help of someone who specializes in this area,” says Judy Ho, Ph.D, a licensed clinical and forensic neuropsychologist in Manhattan Beach, California, associate professor at Pepperdine University and published author. “This past year and a half has been very difficult for many people, so know that you are not alone, and that these symptoms are treatable. You can return to a quality of life that you will be happy with.”
Move Toward Compassion
“Move away from labeling yourself and others, and move toward compassionate curiosity,” suggests Deborah Courtney, Ph.D, a licensed psychotherapist in New York City. “Instead of ‘I am depressed,’ move toward ‘I am in pain and it’s manifesting as depression.’ Instead of ‘he is an addict,’ move toward ‘he is in pain and it’s manifesting as addiction.’ Then get compassionately curious about the pain. Give it a try and notice how the shift in focus feels.”
Be Gentle With Yourself
Lenore Cangeloso, a board-certified acupuncturist and herbal medicine practitioner in Oregon, notes the importance of being gentle with yourself. “Being gentle with yourself is important, especially if on a healing path. Never underestimate the power of sunshine, connection and movement. Listen to your body—it is wise and holds many keys to wellness.”
Just Be
It’s time to adopt a new hashtag and “just be,” advises Belinda Gordon-Battle, a licensed clinical therapist and life consultant in Miami. “Welcome to 2022. #justBE patient with yourself. #justBE open to the process of learning and unlearning. #justBE prepared to fortify yourself with positive affirmations, self-awareness and an on-going gratitude list,” she says. “In 2022, try therapy to support your personal growth and development.”
Find Wellness in Being Well-Rounded
“The essence of wellbeing isn’t defined by physical health, and it’s much more than absence of disease,” says Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, M.D., a double board-certified physician in internal and integrative medicine and fellow of the American College of Physicians.
“Wellbeing stems from a full integration of our mind and body with our environment. This means accepting change and uncertainty, working every day to nurture our mind-body and build resilience, growing and learning, contributing to our community and doing something that is purposeful,” she says. “There is no single way to achieve optimal health, but we know that the prerequisites are sleep, nutritious food, movement, stress channeling and belonging to a community.”
Find Joy Through Self-Care
For Linda Keilman, a gerontological nurse and Michigan State University College of Nursing faculty member, self-care is key. “Self-care is the best present we can give ourselves; we all need to take time every day to think about our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.”
“Fifteen minutes a day to focus on self can re-energize the mind, body and spirit enough to safely socialize and engage with family and friends,” she adds. “Try it! You may be surprised by the results. Genuine and spontaneous humor and laughter are a strong foundation for getting the most out of life every day. Taking ourselves lightly and looking for the joy around us lightens the spirit and lessens our load. Smile—it’s a good kind of contagious!”
Give Yourself the Gift of Grace
“In 2022, center your health and wellness by giving yourself grace,” says Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D, a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, yoga teacher and reiki master. “Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’ To show up whole and share acts of kindness, forgiveness and compassion to humanity, we have to embody and extend these same healing and restoring properties to ourselves.”
Narrow Your Focus
“So many factors impact our mental health and well-being. It helps to narrow our focus to just one or two,” advises Lisa Henderson, a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider in Nashville.
“When I feel overwhelmed, I’ll take a moment to step back, breathe deeply and look at all the things that are making me so busy,” she adds. “It usually turns out that most of what I’m doing is just that—busy work. On the other hand, when I feel at my best, despite how busy I am, when I take a step back and breathe deeply, I notice that it’s because what I’m doing matters. I’m contributing to someone or something that is important to me. The time I’m spending and the energy I’m giving doesn’t feel like busy work, it feels like a meaningful contribution.
We’d like to thank Forbes Health for these hints and tips; read more on their website.
And if you need help with your mental health, give Journey Into Wellness a call today.
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