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Mental Health Section 6Mental Health & Self CareAre there physical habits that affect my mental health?Lifestyle is a very important part of mental health. Since mental health is very tied to the chemicals in your brain, physical health is very important too. Smoking, using caffeine, and using alcohol or other drugs directly affect your body, your brain chemistry, and negatively affect your overall health. If you are having trouble changing these habits, ask for help from your doctor or other helpers. Pick one habit and get help in changing that first. Start small, and slowly begin to add in positive habits that will help you let go of the old. Find ways to gain energy and to relax without using artificial stimulants. Exercise, meditation, yoga, slowing down, having friends, hobbies- all these can help! Chemical imbalances in the brain affect hormones, which affect your immune system. If you have depression, anxiety or PTSD, you may be more vulnerable to infections, viruses and other illnesses. It is very important that you exercise and eat a healthy diet to maintain normal brain chemistry and to ward off illness. What are the most important components of self-care?Physical self-care is probably the most important piece of self-care. Also, you can improve your mental health significantly by seeking emotional support from friends and family, developing your spiritual and creative life, having reasonable expectations of yourself, and taking time to relax and have fun. Women students tend to be very hard workers. They also tend to neglect themselves and to be on the go at all times. Examine your expectations of yourself, and try to slow down. Make sure you schedule in time for emotional and spiritual self-care. |
