Taking care of your mental health as an adult is like going to the gym - you know you should do it, but you're always too busy/lazy/hungover to actually follow through. Still, it's important to make time for your mental well-being if you don't want to end up on the floor in a pool of your own piss.
So, how do you do it? How does anyone do it?
You try and try again, yet you always find yourself under blankets, downing a tub of cookie dough ice cream. And as you just lie there with your eyes glued to the phone, avoiding the anxiety, stress, and exertion of adulthood, you begin to wonder: Is there a way out?
Yes, my friend, there is. But don't do it, it's not worth it!
Jokes aside, taking care of yourself mentally is fundamental to your success as a human being. When your mind is in the gutter, so is your well-being. In this guide, I'll list out some realistic tips on taking care of your mental health and how you can start living your best life today!
Let's get started, foos.
Tip 1: Prioritizing Self-Care
"Prioritizing self-care" is a fancy way of saying, "stop being a b**** and take care of yourself for once."
It's not easy, though. In fact, it's downright hard.
You've got work, kids, a partner, a dog, and/or a house to take care of. And that's, to say the least.
But let's be real here, if you don't make time for yourself somehow, you'll fall harder than [insert canceled celebrity here].
So, how do you do it?
Well, first things first, you need to find some kind of stress-relieving activity that you enjoy. Some people like to play games, others like to exercise, and some just need a good old-fashioned nap.
Whatever it is, make sure it's something that you can realistically fit into your daily routine. This brings me to the next point: fitting it into your daily routine.
For the busy bees of the world, it's not a given luxury. In order to make time, you've got to be aggressive and sacrifice things if you want to improve your mental health. For instance, if you've still got work to do, but you're exhausted, take a nap. It'll be delayed, but since you can work a lot more effectively when you're rested, it'll often even out in the end.
Of course, you can't always blow people off or stop working to take a nap. That's why you've got to take what you can get when you can get it. People who say they don't have time for themselves often don't even try.
If you're still feeling guilty about taking time for yourself, know that you can't pour from an empty cup. You can't take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself first. So, go ahead, take that bubble bath, watch that show, or go for a walk. You'll make time. Trust me.
Tip 2: Eat Better or Feel Like Crap
Eating well is a lot easier said than done. It's not like there's a shortage of delicious junk food out there, and who has time to cook a fancy meal every night? But just like with self-care, if you don't take care of your body, it'll end up an uninspired blob.
To start feeling better, you need to establish some kind of healthy eating routine. That doesn't mean you have to give up all your favorite foods, but try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. And don't forget to stay hydrated since water is essential for overall health.
Remember that it's all about balance. You can eat your cake and McDonalds; just don't make it a daily occurrence. The people who fail diets are the people who think that they can only eat certain foods until they're thin.
Yeah, it doesn't work like that.
So, go ahead and have that pizza, but try to make sure you're also getting your daily dose of greens. And remember, a healthy diet doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming; there's always a way to budget.
Tip 3: Learn How to Say "No"
When it comes to setting boundaries, it's a lot like learning to say "no" to that fourth drink - it's hard, but it's necessary.
You've got work, kids, a lover, a dog, and friends. And for some reason, it seems like everyone wants a piece of your fine ass. You can't always say no, which is why learning when is paramount to your sanity as a human being.
Prioritizing your "nos" depends on their worth. Identify what drains your energy the most and list the consequences of saying no to that task. Doing this in your head when you've got a lot on your plate can help weed out unnecessary energy drainers and get you on the right track to getting more sleep.
Setting boundaries isn't just about saying no to external demands; it's also about setting limits for yourself and being aware of your own limitations. Be kind to yourself and set realistic boundaries that will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
If you don't, you might just find yourself in an early grave (maniacal laughter into fits of coughing).
Tip 4: Get Sleep… Oh? You're Too Busy to Sleep? I Know.
Oh, the sweet, sweet elixir of life, otherwise known as sleep. We all know we need it, but do we really know what it's like to get a good night's sleep? Most of us are just trying to survive on 4 hours or less because adulting is hard, and sleep is overrated.
But the truth is, without enough sleep, we're setting ourselves up for a world of hurt.
So let's start with the basics: TURN THE DAMN PHONE OFF!
That means turning off screens at least an hour before bed, winding down with a book or a relaxing activity, and trying to keep the same sleep schedule even on weekends.
Phones are the worst enemies of insomniacs and caffeine addicts. The blue light will physically keep your brain alert for hours and prevent you from getting what little sleep you can. People complain all the time about how they can't fall asleep at night, yet they're not willing to put their phones down.
So give it a try. You'll see results.
Also, don't forget to make your sleep environment conducive to sleep. Dark, quiet, and cool temperatures can help promote better sleep.
Sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity. You will literally die without it. I don't know how, but you better stop scrolling at 2 a.m. and find the time to rest your eyes. Trust me, you'll thank yourself in the morning.
Tip 5: Take Care of Your Physical Health
Me? Exercise? Ha! No.
Going to the gym, cooking healthy meals, and going for regular check-ups SUCKS when there are bills to pay, kids to take care of, and Netflix to watch.
Luckily, you don't have to do all that. Instead, it's better to break everything down into digestible chunks and work within your limits.
Sure, you should stay fit, but you don't have to force yourself to go to the gym. Just go for walks or find an activity you like, such as ice skating. I really don't care; just do something.
Next up, doctors: get yourself checked out twice a year. It's really not that hard. That's what? Two hours a year and a few bucks to ensure you're not dying? I think that's pretty worth it.
Lastly, food. I covered this before, but I'll say it again: you don't have to quit junk food cold turkey. If you're feeling sad one day, then feel free to eat an entire pizza by yourself. Just make sure you eat better the next day, and you're golden.
Conclusion: The Truth About Mental Health
Keeping your mental health in check isn't about following a set of rules until you die.
It's about doing what you can and working with your limits. There are some things you've got to come to terms with, and sometimes everything is gonna come crashing down. Just as long as you keep moving forward and prioritize yourself every once in a while, you'll persevere through the hard times and become your best self.
Have any questions or comments? Leave them down below!
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