"We can't change the wind, but we can change the sails." This proverb fits perfectly with the topic of today's blog post, because today it's all about mental health. Buddha already recognised that the balance of body and mind can have a significant influence on our lives. Then as now, the topic of mental health is highly topical and just as important for our well-being as our physical wellbeing. We reveal how you can strengthen your mental health and show you how you can set the sails of your life differently to keep a cool head even in stormy times.
Healthy & happy: 5 tips to boost your mental health
1) Plan time out
In line with our sailing example at the beginning, we have our first tip for you: take personal responsibility and avoid mental stress by planning time out. To improve your mental health, it is important to pay attention to your body's signals and plan time for breaks and relaxation. To ensure balance and equilibrium, you also need sufficient rest. Therefore, plan at least one recovery day a week where you don't allow yourself to be distracted by anything or anyone. Especially in our fast-paced "always on" society, we often tend to give ourselves too little time for ourselves. Breaks are the key to recharging your batteries and refocussing. Whether it's a leisurely walk in the woods, a pleasant bath or meditative yoga - you know best what you need to rebalance your body and mind.
2) Find your why
We all know them: phases in which we question ourselves and all our decisions, have no drive and doubt everything. One possible reason for this is that we often lose sight of the big picture. Personal success - whether in a professional or social context - is not directly related to what you do or how you do something, but above all to why you do something. This is precisely why your why is always your strongest motivator. If you easily lose sight of the meaning and purpose of something and sometimes doubt everything, it is advisable to visualise your why and place it in a place that you can always see. Whether above your desk, above your bed or as a symbol in the office - always keep your why in view. A family photo, a plant that symbolises growth or an inspiring saying can often have more impact than you think. The passion you feel for it will help you pursue long-term goals and benefit your mental health.
3) Grow with new challenges
No risk no fun - we all know this saying and have heard it many times. And rightly so, because there really is some truth to the saying. You can only develop and grow in the face of challenges if you take a risk every now and then. Of course, humans are creatures of habit and we are often very reluctant to break out of our routines. We put off dreams and complain about boredom without doing anything about it. Whether it's a new hobby, a new hairstyle or a new professional challenge - why don't you jump in at the deep end again, even if you might have a queasy feeling about it? Have the confidence to try something new and overcome hurdles, as this is the only way to surpass yourself and gain new positive experiences. Every hurdle you overcome will boost your mindset and mental health and give you more confidence in challenging situations.
4) Focus on yourself
Be honest, we all have idols and role models who inspire us. Being inspired by successful people is all well and good, but when it comes to mental health in particular, it is important not to constantly compare yourself with others. Because there will always be someone around you who is more successful or more talented in a certain area. The following famous saying by Theodore Roosevelt comes to mind: "Comparison is the thief of joy." The saying means: Comparing yourself with others robs you of all joy. Prevent self-doubt and inferiority complexes by focussing on your very own development process.
5) Make time for socialising
The last two years in particular, which have been characterised by lockdowns, have made us realise what we miss most when we don't have them: social contact. Social contacts are particularly valuable for mental health, as they give you a sense of security. Spending time with friends, colleagues, like-minded people and family members is important for our mental wellbeing and prevents us from feeling lonely. Positive social contacts with whom we feel comfortable stabilise our personality and strengthen our self-confidence. Support from family and friends can work wonders in stressful situations. What are you waiting for? Why don't you pay your loved ones a visit again?
As you can see, the right mindset can really make a difference, both privately and professionally. Therefore, make your mental health a top priority and pay conscious attention to your mental well-being. We hope that one or two of these tips will help you to optimise your mindset. We wish you all the best!