The Importance of Maintaining Mental Health 2024

I used to think that mental health was something other people had to worry about. You know, like the “self-care” enthusiasts who post photos of bubble baths and face masks, or the folks who meditate daily. Not me. I was a "push through it" type of person. I thought that as long as I wasn’t crying in the corner or unable to get out of bed, I was fine. But then one day, I realized how wrong I was, and, man, did I learn the hard way that mental health affects everything.

  The Importance of Maintaining Mental Health 2024

It was about five years ago, and I had just taken on a big project at work. It was one of those exciting, but insanely overwhelming, tasks that I knew would challenge me. I thought, "Okay, a little stress is good. Keeps you sharp." But that "little stress" turned into sleepless nights, snapping at friends for no reason, and this constant, nagging feeling like I was always behindno matter how hard I worked. I even remember walking into the kitchen one day and realizing I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in three days. All I had was coffee and a granola bar.

Here’s the thing: mental health doesn’t just hit you like a sledgehammer. It creeps in, little by little, until you’re so deep in it, you barely realize you’re struggling. I told myself I was fine, just busy. That’s what we all do, right? "Oh, I’m just swamped." But deep down, something was off. My body knew it. My mind definitely knew it. But I wasn’t listening.

One of the first signs that my mental health was taking a hit was the lack of sleep. I’d lie in bed, wide awake, thinking about all the things I didn’t get done. It felt like I was running on fumes, and no amount of caffeine could fix that. Turns out, sleep is a huge indicator of mental health. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body has a harder time shutting down. But instead of recognizing it as a problem, I just tried to work harder and stay up later, whichspoiler alertmade things worse.

Eventually, I hit a wall. I was at a family event, and out of nowhere, I just started crying. Like, full-on, embarrassing sobs. And no, it wasn’t because I got a bad piece of cake. It was because I had been ignoring my mental health for months, and my body couldn’t take it anymore. That was my wake-up call.

So, what’s the big takeaway here? Maintaining mental health is criticaljust as important as physical health, if not more. Because let’s be real: if your mind’s not in a good place, it’s only a matter of time before your body follows suit. You can’t power through forever. So, here are a few things I’ve learned about maintaining mental health through trial and (a lot of) error:

 1. Routine Check-ins with Yourself

Sounds cheesy, right? But checking in with yourself mentally is just as important as any work meeting or doctor’s appointment. And I don’t mean just saying, “I’m fine” or “I’m stressed.” I’m talking about really asking yourself how you feel. Are you tired? Overwhelmed? Lonely? I started doing this every Sunday. I’d ask myself how I was feeling, and if something felt off, I’d try to pinpoint why. Sometimes it was obviouslike an overwhelming work weekand other times, it was more subtle, like a lack of social connection.

It’s like taking your mental temperature. And trust me, sometimes you’ll realize you’re running a fever.

 2. Get Moving (Even When You Don’t Want To)

Exercise. Yeah, I know you’ve heard it a thousand times, and to be honest, I used to roll my eyes at people who said exercise helps with stress. But here’s the thing: they’re right. You don’t have to go out and run a marathon or spend hours in the gym. In fact, I started smalljust taking a 20-minute walk after work to clear my head. What I found is that physical movement really helps release built-up tension. Plus, being outside? It’s a total mood booster. The fresh air, the sunshine (or even rain, honestly), it all works wonders.

I can’t explain the science behind it, but I can tell you that it helps. Even on days when I’d rather stay on the couch, forcing myself to move a little always pays off. It’s one of those mental health tricks that sounds so simple, but makes a big difference.

 3. Learn to Say “No” (It’s Harder Than You Think)

Here’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: boundaries are everything. I used to say yes to every project, every favor, every social event. I didn’t want to let anyone down. But in doing so, I was constantly letting myself down. I was overcommitting and spreading myself so thin that I had nothing left to give. It’s like trying to pour from an empty cupimpossible.

It took me years, but I finally learned that saying “no” isn’t selfish. It’s survival. If something is going to push me over the edge, I don’t hesitate anymore. I’m a better friend, colleague, and person when I protect my mental space. Sure, I still struggle with it sometimes, but I’ve gotten much better at prioritizing my own needs.

 4. Talk to Someone (Yes, It’s Uncomfortable at First)

I was never the type to open up about my feelings. I always thought I could handle everything on my own, but when I hit that breaking point, I knew I needed help. Talking to someone, whether it’s a therapist or just a trusted friend, can make all the difference. You’d be surprised how much better you feel after venting about your frustrations or getting a new perspective on a problem that’s been eating at you.

For me, therapy was a game changer. I learned so much about myself and why I react the way I do in certain situations. Plus, it’s a judgment-free zone. Sometimes we just need someone to listen. And hey, if therapy’s not your thing, even just talking to a friend or family member can lighten the load.

 5. Mental Health Days are Not a LuxuryThey’re a Necessity

Okay, this might sound radical, but taking a mental health day is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I used to think mental health days were just an excuse to be lazy, but they’re far from that. In fact, they’re a preventative measure. If you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed, taking a day off to reset can save you from a full-blown meltdown later.

Sometimes I’ll take a mental health day and do nothing. Other times, I’ll use it to catch up on things that make me feel good, like reading a book, cleaning the house, or just binge-watching a show. Whatever it is, I give myself permission to rest. Because if you don’t take care of your mind, it’s only a matter of time before everything else falls apart.

 In Conclusion…

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that mental health is everything. It’s not just about “feeling good” or “being happy,” but about being able to function at your best. When your mental health is in check, you’re more productive, more creative, and just… happier. It’s like the foundation of everything. So if you’re like I was, thinking you can just push through, I’m here to tell you: don’t. Take care of yourself before you hit that breaking point. Trust me, it’s so worth it.

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