Your mental health is an integral part of your overall health. It is not only your physical health that matters. Everything matters, including mental health and wellness. Please continue reading to learn active ways you can participate in your own self-care needs.
See a Licensed Therapist
There is a lot going on in the world today. Those external factors can significantly affect how you feel. There are also internal indicators of need that sometimes seem to arise out of nowhere. What starts as something innocent and perhaps entertaining can quickly spiral out of control and into a concern for your well-being. When that happens, it is imperative for you to reach out to a licensed therapist who has experience with your unique problem or concern, such as a porn therapist.
There are a plethora of licensed therapists who can help you work through whatever problem you have. You should start by looking inward and then making a phone call. These therapists are trained to guide you on your path toward healing. Doing the work together and facing whatever is in your way is how you start.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is an essential component in how you feel both physically and mentally. Your life is busy, and you are pulled in what feels like a million different directions at any time. Between work and family, social obligations, and running errands or cleaning the house, you are left with very little time for yourself. And yet, your alone time is invaluable.
Taking time to sit and relax or read a book with a cup of tea are acts of self-care. They are not indulgent, nor should they be seen as optional. Of course, you should not spend the entire day lounging around (every so often, this is a great idea, however), but doing it every once in a while is well-deserved and even necessary. Take a mental health day from work or your family and get a massage. Go out with your friend to dinner and a movie. Or just stay home and lie down on the couch with your dog and catch up on your favorite streaming shows. The point here is to give yourself the gift of respect and self-care.
Approach Artificial Intelligence with Caution
AI has a place in this world. It is an amazing advancement that is already benefiting people everywhere. Whether it is by making everyday tasks, such as making lists easier or scanning a document to parse the details, AI can be a relative time-saver. Unfortunately, artificial intelligence has a wealth of downsides, as well.
One of those is when people engage with AI as though it is a real sentient being. It is important to understand the possible ramifications of becoming entangled with an entity that is not real but is designed to encourage and support you. It may seem like there are zero downfalls to a relationship like this, other than the lack of physical contact, but it can become all-consuming while leading you to believe things that are not true or make you feel supported when there is no actual support. You might begin to stay home more to be with your AI significant other and forgo real relationships.
Lean Into a Hobby
One of the best ways you can take care of yourself and your mental well-being is by engaging in hobbies. Take stock of any hobbies you currently engage in or ones from your past that you would like to revisit. Think about new ones that interest you, and then give them a try. When it comes to hobbies, the point is to have fun, feel fulfilled, and pass the time.
You can aim to learn something new or advance your skill set in a certain area, or just enjoy yourself. Do your best to avoid making your hobby a stressful endeavor that you feel extra pressure to pursue. Find something you like, give it a try, and feel free to try something new whenever you wish.
Some fun hobbies to consider might include:
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Writing
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Gardening
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Dance Classes
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Athletic Clubs
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Knitting or Crocheting
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Painting
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Woodworking
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Jewelry Making
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Birdwatching
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Musical Instruments
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Drawing
Find the Bad Apples
A bad piece of fruit is not enjoyable to bite into. If you have experienced that awful taste, then you know. But what if the bad apple is a person? Whether it is someone in your workplace, school, or in your personal life, they have a way of creating a toxic vibe that infects the entire interaction.
If you are unsure of whether or not you are dealing with a bad apple, pay attention to how you feel after spending time with that person. It does not have to be in person. The time together could be small touchpoints, such as a private or group text chain or chat, an in-person gathering for the two of you only, in a group or at a party, or over the phone. What matters is how you feel after the interaction.
Does this person constantly criticize you or other people? Do they reek of negativity? Are they boastful to the point of madness? If you are unsure, begin to pay attention. If you find that, indeed, these people do leave a sour taste after an encounter, it may be time to disengage from them. You have the right to excuse yourself from awkward exchanges at work or at a party. You can say no to unwanted events with that person. And, you can confront them directly to let them know how they make you feel, if you so choose.
Taking care of your health should be a lifelong undertaking. There will be times when you need to focus more on the physical aspects of your health and other times when you must pay close attention to your mental health needs. Always remember that help is there when you need it. All you have to do is ask.
