How to improve wellbeing
Life comes with many highs and lows. We encounter difficulties every day, some of which are far more challenging than others. Stress can accumulate over time and negatively impact our mental health and overall wellness. The good news is that when we recognise the obstacles to our wellness and make an effort to take tiny, conscious steps to better our mental health, we may begin to feel better. It is possible to learn to become less affected by stress and change over time.
Experts recommend that we carve out time each day to take simple steps to enhance our mental wellbeing. These behaviours could include keeping in touch by calling, messaging, or talking to a loved one or close friend; adopting healthy routines like stretching or going for a quick walk in the morning; or doing something fun like reading or being outside.
Although it seems simple, it can sometimes be difficult. Many of us most likely already know the steps we need to take to take care of ourselves, however psychological obstacles can frequently get in the way.
Obstacles to our wellbeing
A psychological barrier is a thought, emotion, or mental state that can prevent someone from achieving a goal. Psychological barriers frequently take the shape of harmful ideas, low motivation, and challenging emotions.
One of the major psychological obstacles to adopting healthy behaviours can be the way we think. When we are busy, for instance, we can believe that “having a morning ritual is not vital.” This can then cause undesirable behaviours, such skipping breakfast or failing to take a moment to get ready for the day. We eventually start to experience fatigue, stress and tension.
In addition, there are also some practical obstacles that might make it challenging to prioritise these small everyday tasks. These could be a lack of time, financial concerns, and obligations to family or the workplace. Even though these variables are frequently beyond our control, we can learn how to get through the psychological obstacles that prevent us from taking care of ourselves.
How to improve your mental wellbeing
An example of a mental wellbeing barrier is unhelpful and negative thoughts. These can prevent you from engaging in the small daily activities that are beneficial to your health.
First, we need to acknowledge the flawed thoughts that are interfering with our lives. Do you recognise any of these examples?
– If I take a lunch break, my colleagues will think I’m being selfish
– I don’t have enough time to take care of myself and pursue hobbies
– My friends are likely all busy with their own lives, so I shouldn’t disturb them
If you notice these kinds of unhelpful thoughts, challenging them and taking into account alternative viewpoints, the following questions can help:
Is this idea supported by facts, or is it unlikely to be true?
What would I tell a friend who was thinking this?
What perspective would be more beneficial and uplifting in this circumstance?
It can also help to change your negative thinking to a more balanced perspective:
My co-workers taking a break is not something I would consider selfish. I know the importance of taking a break as well. I’ll be better able to concentrate and pay attention when I return to work after a break.
I do have a limited amount of time right now, but I could still do something fun. Instead of checking my phone throughout my morning commute, I’m going to spend 15 minutes reading instead of scrolling through social media.
Although I am aware that my friends do have hectic schedules, I can still get in touch with them to say hello and plan a catchup over coffee.
Small daily actions to make
Improving your mental health and wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated!
We recommend engaging in meaningful and pleasurable activities, maintaining relationships with people, and establishing consistent healthy behaviours. We kindly ask you to pause for a moment and consider which of these activities you presently engage in and which you might be able to incorporate into your daily schedule.
Examples of small everyday activities that you might want to try including into your routine are provided below. You can “pick and mix” the little things that you want to do and try something new every day. Once you identify those that are most effective for you, schedule these in your day as a priority for your welfare.
Fun or enjoyable activities – Choose an activity that is essential to you and schedule time for it each day. This could be eating and chatting with your family/friends every night, prioritising reading before bed, closing out the day with some journaling, listening to music, or doing some form of exercise.
Keep healthy habits – Make time each day to prioritise your wellbeing, whether that means beginning your day with 5-minute breath work or a short walk, indulging in a cup of tea during your break without checking your social media or work emails, preparing a tasty and balanced dinner, or cutting down on screen time before bed.
Stay in touch – As social beings, keeping in touch with people is crucial for our wellbeing. You can try making little connections by grinning at people you pass, scheduling catch-ups with friends, co-workers, or family members, asking people how their days are going, sending texts or emails to friends, or in other ways.
Seeking support
Even though we’d all prefer to have better wellbeing, it’s common to struggle to get through our inner obstacles on our own. A mental health expert can aid you in this. They can support you in taking action to feel better by assisting you in identifying the specific obstacles and beliefs that may be preventing you from moving forwards. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our psychologists, please call our friendly team on 477 (AU) / 0800 327 477 (NZ) or click here to book online now.
Associated information:
Prioritise Yourself
Sleep Hygiene
Nutrition and Mood
https://www.positivemindworks.co/sleep-hygiene/
Nutrition and Mood
