What habits can we adopt to maintain good mental health? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
Dr. Trent is best equipped to answer this, but here are some common themes that arise during Basis sessions (and that I personally have found useful).Note: these are habits to maintain general mental wellness, not to treat a diagnosed mental illness.
- Talk about it: We live in a culture that puts pressure on people to “just deal with it” when challenging emotions arise. Talking things out, whether with a friend or Basis Specialist or therapist, is critical to processing and regulating your own emotions. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s very easy to suffer from cognitive distortions when the only way you are processing emotions is in your own head.
- Exercise: Many studies have shown a correlation between maintaining cardiovascular health and positive mental health. Endorphins are a thing.
- Sleep: Your mind functions better and can problem solve through adversity much better when you’re well-rested. Everything is harder when you’re tired. Sleep hygiene deserves a Quora session all to itself, but some places to start include having a regular routine/bedtime, not using devices for one hour prior to bedtime, not charging your phone next to your bed and not consuming caffeine too late in the afternoon.
- Reduce Phone Usage: It’s becoming clear that constant connectedness can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Do you find yourself mindlessly picking up your phone every time you’re waiting in line or using the bathroom? Or being awoken by a constant stream of notifications? If so, it might be time to make a change here. Basis will soon offer a product experience focused on helping people take control of their phone habits, stay tuned.
- Journal: Writing down thoughts can be a great way to process emotions and reflect on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude goes a long way in improving your overall happiness, but can be easy to overlook as part of a broader set of mental wellness habits.
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