Three Tips for Best Mental Health in 2022

Three Tips for Best Mental Health in 2022

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In many respects, 2021 signaled a return to normalcy for some of us. For others, it may have been again another trying year. Regardless of your background, here are some suggestions for improving your mental health in 2022.

1: Begin with the fundamentals.

You've probably heard it before, but prioritizing our basic needs like eating, sleeping, and receiving physical activity is critical for our mental health. Taking care of our bodies can make us feel better, reduce stress, and boost our self-esteem. Don't know where to start? Here are a few techniques for dealing with the fundamentals.

Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Reduce the temperature to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for sleeping. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to turn off your technology for at least one hour.

Eating: Pay attention to your hunger cues and try to eat at least one meal without being distracted (that means no phones, no computers, no TV, etc.). If you're tired or hungry by the end of class, consider making snacks ahead of time to keep yourself satiated and attentive. A square of dark chocolate, for example, has trace quantities of caffeine that can help you stay awake. Nutrition Services can assist you with nutrition, meal planning, and intuitive eating.

Physical exertion: Choose activities that you enjoy and are thrilled to accomplish to make physical activity more fun. Working out doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Walking, yoga, or low-impact workouts are all good ways to move your body and improve your mental and physical health. Learn more about how activity can help your mental health in this article.

2: Find someone to talk to.

Please get help from someone you can trust if you're having trouble. Connecting with friends, family, or professionals for support and connection can help you get through difficult times. Here are some helpful resources on campus:

CAPS (Counseling and Psychiatric Services) is CU Boulder's main mental health resource. Workshops, group therapy screening sessions to assess needs, brief individual counseling, psychiatric treatment, community referrals, and Let's Talk consultations are just few of the services they provide.

OVA is the primary resource for students, employees, and faculty who have been the victims of a traumatic or disruptive life event, including as harassment, physical assault, abuse, sexual assault, partner or family abuse, bigotry, discrimination, and more. They provide ongoing advocacy and one-on-one therapy.

Peer Wellness Coaching (PWC): Peer Wellness Coaches are students who have been trained to help their fellow Buffs with their health and wellness. Students who wish to set objectives, connect with more resources, or make positive changes in their lives might consider PWC.

Please seek emergency and crisis assistance if you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis.

3: Put what you've learned into practice

We live in a society that places a premium on quick cures and simple solutions. However, mental health is a complicated problem, and feeling better may take time, patience, and effort. Sticking with it is a vital part of striving to improve your mental health.

 For example, if you know that going to bed early or disconnecting from the news is beneficial to you, keep doing such things for a long time. Similarly, if you're in treatment, it's critical that you do your therapist's homework or exercises. These are just a few instances of how you might make the most of what you already know. It's also vital to remember that there's no shame in trying new things, but don't forget to use the tools that already work for you.