(Published March 10, 2022)
When it comes to mental health, many people believe they are either excelling or in crisis. The reality is, there are various states of mental wellness from easy-to-maintain to moderate to very complex. It is important to remember that mental health is fluid. You may be very foggy and depressed now, but with the right support and self-care, may find yourself with a clearer mental state sooner than you think.
Likewise, mental health can quickly diminish if neglected.
Here is a great visual to help you understand the full spectrum of mental health. Where might you be on the chart today?
Our goal at Your Life Iowa is to help people gain the knowledge and support they need to move towards mental wellness. For some, this may be a lifelong journey. Others may simply need some guidance on how to reset after a particularly difficult period of life. No matter your situation, Your Life Iowa is here to walk with you on that journey. We provide judgement free counseling, information, and support.
No matter where your mental health is at, there are basic things that everyone can do to support their mental health. Check out some successful tips below that may work for you:
- Get a healthy amount of sleep. Maybe you are sleeping too little. Or maybe too much. Either way, work toward a goal of eight hours with the same bedtime and wake up time each day.
- Exercise. There is a well-researched relationship between mental and physical health. Keep it simple, but be consistent. Walking for 30 minutes every day is perfect. If that sounds like too much, start with basic stretching each day for ten minutes. Then work up from there.
- Stick to a nutritious diet. This is another place you can start small. You could cut out your afternoon sweet treat or set a goal of drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day for 30 days. As often as you are able, eat well-balanced meals that include protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
In addition to working on these basics, it is important to find help tailored to your situation. So call, text or chat with one of the Your Life Iowa support specialists. Together we can begin your mental wellness journey.