We as individuals are made up of many intricacies and stories, so much so, that we could spend an eternity describing the things that make us who we are. Mental health forms an enormous part of a healthy lifestyle and can play a major role in how we experience the world. Despite its importance we sometimes don’t take it as seriously as other aspects of our health such as physical health.
Mental health generally refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. This can seem like an overwhelming concept since the internet bombards us with hundreds of different ways to “change your life around with a snap of your fingers”. You might even feel pressure thinking that mental health is another block that needs to be checked at the end of the day. In reality, mental health is not a destination to reach, but rather a unique intimate journey you to take with yourself. With any journey there are bumps in the road, different paths you may need to take and times where you need to stop and take a break. In the same way that we need roadmaps to guide us in our journey, here are 5 S’s that can be used to guide you in your journey.
The 5 S’s: basic ways to start your lifelong journey of mental health today
Say hello:
Once a day check-in with yourself and assess how you are feeling mentally, emotionally and physically. This could be first thing in the morning before you start your day, or possibly before you get ready for bed in the evening. You could write this down in a journal as something to reflect on in the present or go back to sometimes. Many people struggle with this step as they get distracted by everyday life. However, it is important to identify what you are experiencing and how that is impacting your interactions and reactions with others.
Sleep:
While a healthy amount of sleep is often suggested for improving mental health, it is something that numerous people find difficult to achieve. Enough sleep has various health benefits and allows our body to process and recuperate after a long day. Good and consistent sleep hygiene is vital – this is what you do before going to sleep and how you use your bedroom. The bedroom should be used for sleep, rather than double as a study for example. When your bed is used for things other than sleep, your brain associates it with those activities and often keeps us awake due to being in “work mode”. These mixed signals can cause issues when you get ready for bed. The same can be said for having too much screen time just before going to sleep. The light from our screens suppress melatonin (the sleep-inducing hormone) and make it more difficult for us to fall asleep. An effective habit is to have a consistent bedtime and switch off all electronics an hour before bed to improve your quality of sleep.
Switch off:
Due to the nature of the world we live in, we spend much of our time living a busy life, providing little space to truly slow down. With individuals living life at such a rapid speed, it’s understandable that you can be left feeling overwhelmed, drained and mentally tired by the end of a day. Deliberately choosing an hour or two to switch off mentally on a daily basis can give your mind and body a chance to disconnect from the rat race and reconnect with yourself. Activities that don’t require a lot of mental energy, like going for a walk or exercising is a very effective way of switching off after a busy day.
Support:
Being isolated can make going through life difficult and lonely. Humans are social beings and need meaningful relationships to feel heard, connected and safe. Having family, friends, colleagues or neighbours to share the good and the bad times with allows you space to be yourself. Making time to see and talk to others often can help you deal with the burdens of everyday life
Set boundaries:
Setting boundaries and recognising when to say no to things that do not align with your values can be tough but necessary when prioritising yourself and your mental health. This can allow for you and others to be present to your needs. Setting boundaries is not a selfish act, it is recognising that when I look after myself first, I have energy and motivation to give to others.
The 5 S’s are a good starting point for mental health but prioritising mental health means finding what strategies work for you. It is important to remember, when reflecting on your mental health, that it’s a lifelong journey so be sure to pause and to listen just as you would with a dear friend.