An important part of mental wellness is finding a sense of balance, meaning, and purpose in life. Achieving this balance and purpose will look different for each individual. However, for most people it may involve some of the following steps:
Self-discovery
Self-discovery helps us look at our values and dreams through a clearer lens. One way to do this is by writing down what it is that we are thinking. Writing can significantly improve your mental health. Here are some ideas around sentences you can complete as you go on a journey towards self-discovery:
I am happiest when…
I am proud of myself because…
I was born to…
I can simplify my life by living without…
In my dreams, I…
I believe in my abilities to do great things because…
I feel strongest when…
Set Goals
By setting and meeting goals, your life will have more meaning and purpose. If you have several goals, list them in order of importance. That helps keep you from feeling overwhelmed. It also helps you keep your attention on your most important goals. You can use the following steps to set any personal or professional goal:
Write down positive goals: For instance, write, “Learn to do better at X,” not, “Do not make mistakes.”
Set a deadline for achieving the goal: Make your goals precise. Include dates, times, or amounts so that you can see how well you are doing.
Know your obstacles: List the obstacles you need to overcome to accomplish your goal to avoid getting blindsided.
Identify who can help: Write down the names of people and groups you need to work with to reach your goal.
Identify what you need to know: List the skills, knowledge, and experience required to reach your goal.
Create an action plan: Develop a step by step plan.
Take small steps and keep on taking them every day. Celebrating your small victories along the way will keep you on the road to achieving your larger goals!
Learn to Adapt
As we go through life, we often face adversity. What is important is figuring out how to best adapt, address, and/or overcome a situation.
Identify the issue: Get to the root of an issue and come up with a plan around how you are going to navigate it.
Maximize on your Inner strengths: Another way to help yourself adapt to change is to find your best personal traits such as a positive outlook, kindness, or confidence. Draw on those traits for strength when you need it.
Build new skills: You can develop skills to make yourself more resilient, adaptable, or flexible. For example, if you do not think you communicate well, ask a friend, or take a short course to help you better express your feelings. A big part of adapting is taking the time out to learn and develop the necessary skills to overcome difficult seasons.
Finding balance is an important part of maintaining a sense of good mental health and wellbeing. Take everything one day at a time, be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey. #MentalHealth #SDG3
By Ratidzo Makombe
Edited by Ratidzo Njagu
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