Mental Health Concerns in Women
Mental well-being is essential for a healthy life. It goes hand in hand with physical health as a disturbed mental state affects the body. Women are prone to mental illnesses from an early age due to hormonal changes. Puberty, premenstrual syndrome, irregular periods, pregnancy, and menopause are significant causes of poor mental health among women. It is vital to check any signs of mental health concerns regularly. Ignorance of symptoms can further lead to severe problems.
Tips Women Can Follow To Improve Their Mental Health
Women can adopt strategies to manage their mental health as per their interests and liking. No two minds are alike; therefore, choose activities that suit your mood and personality.
Below are 15 tips for women to boost their mental health and overall well-being:
Befriend Nature
Nature is known to uplift the mood, refresh the mind, and elevate the spirit. Dedicate 15 minutes daily to nature to yield its great benefits. An early morning walk, watering the plants, or simply appreciating the natural hues will instantly brighten your day.
Daily Walk
Include regular walks in your schedule, and significant improvements in your mental and physical health will amaze you. Walking increases blood circulation and promotes a good mood. Additionally, when you walk, your body releases endorphins, hormones responsible for pain and stress relief.
Seek Out Professional Help
Women with mental health concerns may sometimes feel vulnerable when talking about it. The reluctance may occur due to societal pressure and fear of judgment. However, do not take your mental health lightly and reach out to professionals in the field. Several mental health professionals and facilities, such as Vista Pines Health Group treat you with empathy and compassion. You deserve to receive individual attention, quality treatment, and utmost care without prejudice.
Journaling
Journaling allows you to express your true feelings. It helps vent out all the piled-up emotions in your mind. Write your heart out to release your negative thoughts and declutter your mind. Journaling reduces anxiety and stress, organizes thoughts, and allows you to understand yourself better. Your journal is your safe place to be yourself, so be as candid, raw, and original as you wish.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes, all we need to feel good is to get heard. Opening up about mental health struggles can be challenging for some women. However, there is always a friend, a family member, or a colleague who gives us comfort. Talk your heart out to people you can trust. When we share our emotions, it lifts off the burden.
Reading
Reading is a wonderful activity to calm your mind, relax your body, and lower your heart rate. Regular reading promotes healthy relationships and quality sleep and reduces stress. It provides an opportunity to escape the whirlwind of our thoughts as we connect with characters and storylines. Read out a good book before bed and sleep peacefully through the night.
Peaceful Sleep
A night of uninterrupted sleep is vital for a healthy mind and body. Sleep deprivation among women may cause tiredness, irritability, anger, and sadness. Deep sleep is associated with emotional and mental resilience. Conversely, lack of sleep may trigger symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Cut Down Alcohol Consumption
Although one may feel a positive surge after a drink or two; however, alcohol consumption has long-term adverse effects. Alcohol consumption links to various mental health problems such as depression, psychosis, and memory loss. Alcohol is a depressant drug, meaning it can disturb the chemical processes in our brain. Women who drink regularly should reduce alcohol intake to lead a mentally stable and happy life.
Gardening
Spend time with plants to give your mind the much-deserved boost. Gardening can help you feel content and peaceful. Catering to the plants releases serotonin, a chemical associated with happiness and mood regulation. Get yourself indoor or outdoor plants and interact with them regularly to calm your mind. Moreover, the fresh oxygen from the plants will improve your blood circulation and enhance brain activity.
Volunteer Activities
Volunteer for a cause, and you will notice several positive changes in your life. Activities such as blood drives, beach cleanup, fundraisers, food collection, etc., will give you a sense of belonging and purpose. Giving back to the community promotes mental well-being and physical health. It also encourages you to play your part in the betterment of society.
Perform Meditation
Meditation uses mindfulness techniques to help focus and improve self-awareness. Women who regularly meditate report a decrease in depression, negative thoughts, and stress, along with increased self-esteem, compassion, and concentration. Start with simple 5-minute meditation such as deep breathing that you can easily fit into your daily schedule.
Indulge in Self-Care
Women tend to overlook themselves due to demanding careers, chores, motherhood, and family needs. It is important to take time out and treat yourself to a relaxing manicure, pedicure, massage, or simply a haircut. Self-care stimulates the mood and inspires to face the day.
Indulge in Self-Care
Spend quality time with your close friends and family members regularly. Schedule a coffee date with your best friend or visit your favorite aunt every once in a while. Enjoy the company of your beloved people and cherish the precious moments for a happy mind and soul.
Travel
Visit new places and explore different cultures and cuisines to improve your mental health. Travel is the ultimate way to enhance the quality of your life and well-being. It increases your confidence, broadens your comfort zone, and motivates and inspires you to lead a better life. Travelling provides you the chance to experience the unknown.
Limit Use of Digital Gadgets
You may spend hours scrolling through media platforms or binge-watch your favorite show without paying attention. It is vital to limit your screen time and schedule time away from your mobiles, tablets, laptops, or television screens. Overextended screen time may cause symptoms associated with anxiety, emotional instability, and volatility.
Final Thoughts
Women experience several mental health concerns throughout their life. Taking care of your mental well-being is important to stay happy and healthy. Strategies to manage mental health may include regular walking, travel, self-care, reduced alcohol consumption, meditation, gardening, etc. However, seeking professional help from mental health providers is advisable to better understand and treat your mental health concerns.
