10 Ways to Strengthen Your Mental Health

LGBTQ+ people are at a greater risk of poor mental health and well-being. You may have to deal with difficult experiences like discrimination because of your sexuality and/or gender identity. Everyday responsibilities and priorities may cause you to avoid some difficulties and it is highly likely to catch up with you and it is likely to cause some unwanted changes. With it can come stress, anxiety, sadness and/or the fear of the unknown. All of which really has an impact on your well-being and mental health. 

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stressors, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood all the way through adulthood.

Managing your feelings, your emotions and handling everyday challenges is an important part of maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle. Yet frequently this can be easier said than done and effortlessly forgotten. Keeping up with your mental health and acknowledging what you are going through can sometimes mean seeking support from a professional; but it can also mean taking everyday steps to strengthen your mental and emotional wellness. Try these tips to strengthen and balance yourself for your well-being.

1. Surround yourself and connect with people who make you smile. People with strong connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with a supportive community or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

2. Know your happiness triggers. We often know things that can cause us to feel unsettled, however easily forget what brings us joy. Identifying things that consistently brighten your mood or bring you joy can be an important step in nurturing your own mental health. Make an easily accessible list of things that you know make you smile and create happiness for you.

3. Take time to ensure your choices match your values. Our values drive our actions and motivate us to reach goals. Your goals help you establish your priorities in life, guide your decision-making, and affect your evaluation of your success and happiness in life. Focus your energy and concentration on creating a lifestyle that is consistent with your deepest values and beliefs. Then make it happen.

4. Tune in to your body and see what it needs. Unless you can feel a physical pain such as a stiff neck or a headache, you may not be fully aware of what’s going on inside your mind and body. Learning how to tune into your body is a great way to help get a better sense of wellbeing by identifying which areas you may need to focus more on. Maybe it can be sleep, or a meal, or just a good stretch, and/or learning about body scanning. It’s all about helping you to become more aware of the current state of your body and mind in order to help you feel your best.

5. Use mindfulness everyday. Mindfulness is our ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, and being without having judgment. There are many different practices that can support the development of mindfulness, including different types of sitting meditations, body movement, or even simply being at the beach.

6. Value yourself without judgment. Judgmental thoughts turn negative when you measure them against your worth. When you are grounded fully in yourself, you can treat yourself with kindness and compassion as you would a friend. Your self-acceptance gives you the ability to recognize that your value goes beyond your personal attributes and actions.

7. Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature is good for us for lots of reasons. Countless studies have proven that nature has a positive effect on your mental health. What you see, hear, and experience in nature can improve your mood in a moment. There is a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced negative emotions.  Taking walks, going to parks, sitting in your yard, and tending to houseplants are just a few ways to start.

8. Celebrate yourself. Everyone needs validation. Encouraging yourself and acknowledging your strengths, successes, progress, and efforts increase your ability to feel accepted and understood. Some examples of affirming or validating things you can say to yourself include: “It’s normal to feel this way”, “My feelings are valid”, and “I’m proud of myself”.

9. Be creative or find a hobby. Creative ventures have all kinds of positive impacts on your cognitive function because they encourage out-of-the-box and unconventional thinking that helps to stimulate your brain. The state of creative flow is caused by changes in our brain function, so brainwaves are able to slow down, and original thoughts are better able to form. Having a hobby is a great way to spend your spare time and unwind, whether it’s learning a new skill, reading, or doing something musical or artistic.

10. Get help when you need it. Seeking help is a tremendous sign of courage – not weakness. There are many compassionate experts who can help you improve your mental health one day at a time. There are resources including online psychotherapy and support, and there are also apps that could be helpful.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.