Mental health awareness is all about reducing stigma. Oftentimes, people do not have the tools or resources to deal with their mental health due to a preconceived assumption that they will be judged or rejected – this is thanks to society for failing to recognize mental health as a crucial component of any strong healthcare plan.
But your brain is an organ that works in very mysterious ways. Your mental health matters and that means you should be incorporating practices into your life that can help you recognize when your mental health (and self-esteem) may need a boost. There are a lot of great ways to do that, but here are a few:
Yoga & mindfulness meditation. These two things can go hand-in-hand or be practiced separately, but it’s all about intention. While it is inherently a low-impact exercise, it is also a way for you to link your mind with your body through movement. Coupled with meditation, or as a standalone practice (without movement), both of these practices can have a significant impact on your mood and stress levels – all of which can help you feel great about yourself.
Start journaling and recite daily affirmations. Journaling can allow you to jot down your innermost thoughts and deal with some of the big feelings that come along with them and also allow you to hold yourself accountable by writing down some of the things you can do to alleviate those big feelings. Also, standing in a mirror and telling yourself daily that you are strong or smart or beautiful is a great way to make yourself believe it.
Date yourself. Put yourself first and take care of yourself in any way you most enjoy. Spa day? Go for a hike with your dog? See a movie or read a really good book? Whatever it is, it should focus on you and you alone. Dating yourself is the ultimate form of self-love and self-care.
Bonus tip: therapy! We know it sounds scary, especially if you’ve never considered it before, but here at AFHS we have a team of professionals that will go above and beyond to make you feel the most comfortable. Even if you don’t struggle with a specific mental health illness, it is always a smart move to prioritize your mental health. Visit our website to learn more or contact us for more activities to boost your self-esteem!