Okay, you’ve heard me say it once and I’ll say it again: we need to learn how to address mental health correctly.

But whenever I write about this, I often talk about other people’s mental health, how to seek help for them and how to handle it in an appropriate manner so that everyone safely comes out on the other side.

But have we talked about your mental health?

I don’t think so. And if we have, I’m almost positive it hasn’t been a direct post to you, the reader.

So we are going to fix that.

Today we’re talking about you.

Now, your mental health is very important. Whether you have depression or anxiety or feel as if you are completely problem-free, let’s admit it: you’ve got your own struggles.

Maybe some days you don’t want to wake up because you hate life, or because it’s a Monday and everyone hate Mondays. Maybe some days you wish you had someone to talk to because nobody’s asked how your heart is, or because you want to share some exciting news. Or maybe you need rest because those demons in your head won’t shut up, or because you were at summer camp for a week and although it was amazing, you are worn out.

Mental health isn’t just a phrase we use to define one’s emotional problems. Mental health, like physical health, is something that everyone needs to take care of.

Mental health, in a nutshell, is the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of one’s mind.

So clearly, your mental health (by the definition above) is very important. It’s not just addressing all the ‘important’ stuff like whether you’re depressed or not. It’s determining how sad you are, but rather asking, “What do I need to be able to function well?”

For some people, this means going outside on a regular basis and being in nature alone. For others, it means taking an hour to rest everyday. For still others, it means to have fellowship every week.

So how can you make a positive impact on your health in your everyday life?

1. Get good amounts of sleep and rest.
2. Find a way to get exercise.
3. Eat regular, healthy meals and drink water.
4. Find hobbies you like that you can do regularly.
5. Stay connected to others.

Now, these are your basic tips for keeping yourself healthy, right? But mentally, these might not keep your health stable.

It might take time to figure out what you personally need, and things that work for you might not work for your friend. The list below are various hobbies or activities that some people find helpful and strengthening for their mental health.

1. Journaling
2. Therapy/being mentored
3. Sports/running
4. Reading
5. Playing music
6. Driving
7. Hiking
8. Writing
9. Swimming
10. Cooking
11. Drawing/sketching
12. Gardening

And obviously, there are more hobbies and things to do! I recommend trying out different things—and maybe you’ll find what puts your mind in peace.

Now you might be wondering: why is important to take care of my mental health?

The first reason: you matter. You were not made to throw your mental health away like it’s nothing, because it’s not nothing! You are a valuable human and you are needed and wanted on this earth, even if you don’t realize it.

And the second reason: well, look at it this way.

When you’re on an airplane, the flight attendant always gives the safety instructions, right? And when they talk about the rare incident when the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling. The flight attendants say that before helping someone put their mask on, put your mask on first. You can’t help if you’re dizzy and having trouble breathing, right?

You can’t help others in the best way if your own mental health is collapsing.

Maybe you’re like me and you enjoy helping and serving others. But serving others is hard when you are having trouble breathing.

So in short? Don’t forget to prioritize your mental health! Take time to love yourself because self-love is not the same as selfish. Y’all, you need to love yourself!

Thanks for reading, I hope this was encouraging!
~Willow