Dear Fellow Humans,
Have you ever stopped to wonder, "What does mental health care really mean?" or "How do I nurture my mental health?" We hear about mental health care all the time, but what does it actually involve? Let's dive into this together and uncover the essence of mental health care.
What is Mental Health?
Let’s dig into this. Mental health concerns the content and quality of our mind's experiences.
The content of our mind includes our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and memories. These can be influenced by our experiences, relationships, and even our environment. Think of your mind as a garden. What kind of thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and memories are planted there? Are they nurturing and positive, or do they lean more towards the negative and critical?
The quality of our mental experiences is just as crucial. Are your thoughts clear and organized, or do they feel scattered, unfocused and overwhelming? Do you often find yourself ruminating on the past or worrying about the future, rather than living in the present moment? Our mental health thrives when the garden of our mind is observed, tended to, and balanced rather than growing wild and amuck.
Brain vs. Mind: What’s the Difference?
Here's where it gets a bit tricky. The brain and the mind are closely linked, but they’re not the same thing. The brain is a physical organ in our skulls – a super complex, three-pound blob of neurons and synapses. It’s the hardware that runs our bodily systems and processes. The mind, on the other hand, is like the garden that the brain nurtures. While the brain controls the physical and chemical processes, the mind is about our subjective experiences and consciousness.
Think of it this way: caring for your brain might involve getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising – all things that keep the physical organ healthy. Caring for your mind involves practices like mindfulness, therapy, and self-reflection – activities that nurture your psychological well-being.
Reflective Questions
So, dear fellow humans, let’s take a moment to reflect. How do you currently take care of your mental health? Do you distinguish between caring for your brain and your mind? What new practices could you incorporate into your routine to support both?
Try some of my personal go-tos for mental health care:
Mindfulness: When you're laying in bed, observe what your mind is doing, they're just thoughts, don't cling to them.
Journaling: How about writing down your thoughts to better understand your mind’s workings? What does your mind's content tell you about your mental health? Your fears? Your yearnings? Your values?
Ingest Positive Content: If you’re constantly exposed to negative news, toxic social media, and stressful environments, it’s like planting weeds. These negative influences can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even depression. On the other hand, consuming uplifting, informative, and positive content is like planting flowers and nourishing them. It helps foster a positive outlook, increases knowledge, and boosts overall well-being.
Physical Exercise: Are you moving your body in ways that feel good and boost your brain health? Let's work for that dopamine!
Mental health care is like tending to a garden. It’s a continuous process of planting, nurturing, and pruning. Just as a garden requires ongoing attention and care to thrive, so does our mental health. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to seek help along the way – even the best gardeners consult experts. You’re not alone in cultivating a flourishing mind.
And if you need a mental landscaper, feel free to reach out.
Until next time, take care of your brain, your mind, and your entire self.
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