6 Ways to Prioritize Mental Health in 2021

It’s always not a good time to prioritize mental health. However, as we continue the transition into a new year, why not take a step back and refocus our energy into recognizing the reasons to prioritize mental health, and how to improve your overall mental wellness.

We want to talk more about why it’s so important to prioritize mental health and how to focus your efforts for the best results. Note that this isn’t advice directly from a professional, but instead general advice that all of us can (and should) be doing to promote stronger peace of mind and feel more balanced in our day-to-day lives.

Why is Improving Mental Health Important?

You don’t need to be struggling with a diagnosed mental health issue in order to prioritize your mental wellness.

The past twelve months have been largely defined by the pandemic and the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty it has caused. If you don’t make your mental health a priority, there is a potential risk these negative feelings can manifest in many areas of your life, including how you live, act, make decisions, and relate to others.

Improving your mental health is important because not only are you learning to address the specific issues, but you’re learning coping methods you can easily deploy in your life. Many of our suggestions help explore ways that identify and address feelings of anxiety or depression rather than disregarding them and allowing them to fester.

How to Make Mental Health a Priority

Fortunately, there are lots of strategies that you can implement into your everyday life in order to heighten your mental wellness. And, while this certainly includes mental health treatment options like psychotherapy or medication if warranted, we’re going to focus on things that anyone can do at any time to feel better and more balanced.

Identify “triggers” or bad thoughts. Are there certain things that always cause you distress to think about? By identifying what these triggers are, you can gain a deeper understanding into what bothers you—and from there be proactive about addressing them.

Open up. Don’t be afraid to communicate with those close to you. A support system is crucial for mental health, so reach out to those you trust and talk it out when you need to.

Writing in a journal. Writing is a great way to untangle our thoughts and discover new solutions. Try starting a journal, even if it’s just writing three things a day you feel grateful for.

Learn to relax. Better relaxation and anxiety-reducing techniques are something we can all benefit from. Deep breathing, stretching, and meditation are all good places to begin, especially for beginners.

Get moving. Exercise boosts our endorphins, and in turn, our mood. Make an exercise plan, whether it’s for one day a week or several.

Speak with a professional. Help is out there if you need it. Consider reaching out to a professional to discuss additional techniques that are targeted to your situation and needs.  

We’re here for you. If you’re seeking professional help via telehealth, schedule an appointment to speak with a licensed physician at Synergy.