Mental health has always been important; but all too often, we sideline our mental well-being for other elements of our lives we deem more important, such as our careers. As such, it’s hardly surprising that while 95% of people say mental health is important, only 26% of people prioritise it.
The crux of the matter is that our mental well-being influences just about every aspect of our lives, from our self-confidence and relationships to our experiences in the workplace. As a result, it’s about time that you started investing in your wellbeing. Here are some top tips for enhancing your overall well-being.
Find (and follow) your passions professionally. We spend most of our adult life working, which is probably why so many of us feel as though we are chained to our desks. However, when you find a career that you are passionate about, putting in the hours will feel a lot less burdensome. As a result, if you’ve noticed that you’re no longer happy in your current role, it may be time to look for a new job. Focus on finding something that you enjoy. For example, if you’re a big health and wellness advocate who loves helping others, you could take this as an opportunity to re-train and become a wellness coach.
Develop new hobbies. While having a job you enjoy can go a long way in enhancing your overall well-being, it’s not the only solution. For example, it’s not logical to expect that every day at work will be brilliant, and as such, you must have plenty of activities lined up in your free time that allow you to destress and relax. This means you should use this as an opportunity to try out new hobbies until you find something that feels like the right fit. If there’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing but have never had the time, make the time today.
Focus on your health. Your mental well-being is closely linked to your physical health, and they tend to influence each other. As a result, if you’re looking to work on your mental health, you’ve got to focus on your physical health too. Luckily, there are many ways to do this, such as by transitioning into a healthier lifestyle. If you find that you’re an emotional eater, try to avoid reaching for unhealthy food and snacks and instead try out recipes that will nourish your body and soul.
Put yourself first. While some elements of our well-being are influenced by others, your wellness journey is mostly an internal one. This means that you must be able to put yourself and your needs first – even if your natural instinct is to do the opposite. Remember, putting yourself first is not selfish, it’s often necessary. Again, prioritising yourself can come in many different shapes and forms. For example, if your friend invited you to go out for some food but you were not feeling like it, don’t feel as though you have to say yes. You could come up with an alternative plan or date, or simply let them know that you need to spend some time alone.
