The Future of Mental Health

The Future of Mental Health

Did you know that when your mom and dad were young they weren’t “sweating it out” on the reg? They weren’t concerned with WODs, they weren’t hitting that yoga mat, and they most definitely weren’t going to pay money to go running.

It just wasn’t the “norm” back then.

Now, you can’t go into Target without seeing a girl in her active wear or go to a breakfast place without seeing “Gluten Free”, “Make it Skinny”, and calorie counts. Most everyone you know is trying to stay consistent with some sort of workout regimen and/or nutrition plan for themselves.

Things have changed. We are evolving. We saw a rise in health issues such as obesity, heart issues, high blood pressure, and much, much more -- then the WORLD changed. We decided that we’d do better. We would tackle the issue at hand and make a new “norm”. It stuck. And, we have advanced.

As the years have gone by and technology has advanced, mental health issues have risen. Yes, these two subjects are directly correlated. One statistic that I’ve come across recently that caught my attention is that today, five to eight times as many people meet the criteria for diagnosis of major depression and/or anxiety disorder as was true 25 years ago.

I think we can all agree that there is an issue; a rising issue that needs to be addressed. Mental and emotional health is more widely recognized and discussed than it was in the past, so we are definitely on the right path.

Taking care of yourself is much more than going to the gym, going for a run, and eating paleo/keto/gluten free. Taking care of your mind and soul is just as if not more important.

What are you doing for your mental health? Are you actively practicing good habits for your emotional health like what you are for your physical health?

What can you do?

Here’s a helpful list of things you can do to improve your mental/emotional health:

1.       Journal your thoughts

2.       Call a friend/family member

3.       Say/Write down positive affirmations

4.       Listen to music

5.       Go for a walk in nature

6.       Color or paint something fun

7.       Make a gratitude list

8.       Meditate for 5 minutes

9.       Unplug from technology

10.   Go outside

11.   Read a book for pleasure

12.   Cuddle with an animal

13.   Take a nap

14.   Set goals

15.   Take a long bubble bath

16.   Do something kind for a stranger

17.   Compliment a stranger

18.   Organize your room

19.   Write down 10 things you love about yourself

20.   Invest in a mental health course ran by your favorite mental health advocate ;)

Start today. Decide you want better for yourself and for your family. A person that empowers themselves is empowering their children and their children’s children essentially creating a better future for the world. We are all connected.

Xoxo,

Coach Kenz