May is National Mental Health Month and a time to recognize the importance of caring for your well-being. Mental health plays an integral role in addiction recovery and relapse prevention. Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use; it is also about changing your thought patterns and behaviors.
Here are 10 ways that you can be more proactive in keeping a positive attitude and supporting improved mental health:
- Surround yourself with people who make you happy, make you feel good about yourself, and keep you motivated.
- Take time each day to meditate and clear your mind. Refocus and reduce your stress.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes each day not only to stay in shape but also to boost endorphin production. Endorphins are natural mood boosters. Exercise can also help to alleviate stress and frustration.
- Set goals for yourself so you always have something to be working toward. It can also be rewarding to cross off each accomplishment and set new ones.
- Give back. Spend time volunteering and see how good you feel knowing you are making a positive difference in the lives of others.
- Embrace an attitude of gratitude and try to look for the bright side in each situation. Write down things you are grateful for so you can reflect on them when you are going through a rough patch.
- Learn to say no so you are not overwhelming yourself with too many responsibilities that increase your stress level.
- Focus on yourself from time to time and make it a point to do things that you enjoy and that make you happy.
- Attend therapy and work through some of the challenges you face with support from a professional.
- Try new things to keep yourself from becoming bored and falling into a rut.
Find the support you need to boost your mental health and overcome substance use and mental health disorders at Northbound.
Leave a comment and let us know what tips you would add for boosting mental health!
