5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Well-Being
Feeling exhausted and stressed is nothing new in this era of fast-paced technological advancement. However, for prosthetic users, the pressure can be twice as high; add the mental and physical challenges associated with navigating life with limb loss, as well as the daily maintenance required to keep your prosthesis and residual limb in great shape, it’s no wonder you're drained.
But the good news is that you don’t have to resign yourself to living an exhausting life. There are ways to make your days more manageable. Start by developing small yet impactful habits and mindsets such as the five tips we’ve outlined below.
1. Positivity
The Oxford English Dictionary defines positivity as “the practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude.” According to this definition, optimism is not an inborn trait, but it is a mindset that can be cultivated.
The essence of positivity lies in changing your thoughts to change your reality. If this sounds abstract to you, you can start by practicing mindfulness throughout the day. Observe your thoughts like you would when people-watching. Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without labeling them.
2. Journaling
Journaling is an effective way to help manage anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with depression. It can also improve your mood by allowing you to prioritize problems and concerns. Furthermore, keeping a journal can help improve self-awareness as reviewing old entries enable you to recognize triggers and even learn how to control them.
3. Yoga
We, at Amputee Store, are big believers in the benefits of yoga, but we also understand that there are days when scheduling an hour-long yoga workout is impossible. However, you can still reap the benefits of yoga with 10- and 5-minute routines that you can do in your bed before you begin your day or before going to sleep. Search for these simplified routines on YouTube or Pinterest.
Another benefit of these short yoga routines is that it allows you to feel that you’ve accomplished something, which is not a small thing if you’re feeling depressed.
4. Gratitude lists
A lot of psychologists have written about the uplifting powers of gratitude. Acknowledging your appreciation for even the little things in life reduces stress and negative thoughts. You can tap into this power by writing down at least 10 positive moments that happened throughout the day. While 10 can be a challenging number, it forces you to think about the tiny highlights that helped turn your day around. Moreover, when you’re feeling blue, you can refer to your previous lists and relive life’s good moments.
5. Connect with others
Humans are inherently social beings; we are designed to function better when we have a network that acts as a support system. This is why socializing—in person, not on social media—provides numerous benefits to your mental and even physical health. So, make sure to set aside time to connect with friends and family. Also, don’t feel bad when you feel the need to extend your coffee dates. Your mental well-being will thank you for it.
Invest in Your Mental Well-Being
Investing in your mental health shouldn’t require spending a lot of time and money. In fact, when it starts to feel stressful, you might need to reevaluate your rituals and even your network of friends.
To get yourself started on your journey to achieving mental wellness, create a list of personal rituals that get you excited. This can be something as simple as enjoying coffee by yourself in the morning or taking a 10-minute break from work. By curating a list that meets your needs and schedule, you can work toward improving your mental well-being.
Which self-care ritual from this list do you want to try first? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
