In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting tips you should follow for a healthier, happier you.
Relax, Relate, Release! 10 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
1. Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
When we talk about “being healthy” it is typically just about physical health. But rarely do we think of our mental health when we’re having that conversation—and Black women, we have to stop doing that. Studies show that we have higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression than most other people. For Mental Health Awareness Month, here are some tried and tested ways to help get your mind and spirit right.
2. Stop Putting Yourself Down
Given the anti-Black women sentiment circling out there, it’s not too hard to internalize the negativity. But remember: Every time you tell yourself that you’re not good enough, skinny enough, talented enough or pretty enough, you’re slowly killing your spirit. Stop being your own worst enemy and start loving you.
Most important: Never lose sight that you truly are magic!
3. Hit The Gym
Getting your sweat on does more than weight loss and strengthening your heart—it’s also good for your mind. Because working out releases endorphins (feel good hormones) they also help improve your mood and lower stress levels. Even better: Studies suggest that exercise can also sharpen your memory, build your confidence and help you catch more ZZZs at night.
Go hit up that treadmill or dance class STAT!
4. Find Your Joy
What puts a smile on your face? Spending time with the fam? Shopping? Dancing in the kitchen in your underwear? Whatever it is, do it as often as you can. And make sure to schedule in that joy, because your life can’t just be about work—it also has to be about play.
5. Take A Break From Social Media
Facebook and Twitter can be fun especially when Black Twitter is involved. But whether it’s fighting abusive trolls to Trump news overload, social media can seriously impact your mental health. Studies also suggest that constantly comparing yourself to others on the Gram can negatively affect your self-esteem. So go ahead and take a break from the computer or smartphone and live in the moment.
6. Channel Your Inner Kid And Start Coloring
Who knew that coloring could make you feel better? Well it definitely does and it’s all the rage right now. According to the American Art Therapy Association, adult coloring books help “explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.”
7. Get Your Om On!
The proof is in the pudding: Meditation can help you stay centered and focused, invoke heightened self-awareness, help your heart health, increase your happiness and encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle. And no, it doesn’t conflict with your religion or relationship with God.
Even better: It’s free! All you need is a space to sit where you can breathe deeply and clear your mind.
8. Start Seeing A Therapist
Hanging out with loved ones, taking a Zumba class or prayer won’t solve every mental health issue that we may encounter. There are times when you might need the help of a professional to work through your past and current trauma—and there’s nothing wrong or shameful about it. What’s shameful is suffering in silence.
