Mental Health Do's and Don'ts

Navigating mental health can be daunting, especially in today's fast-paced world. Unfortunately, the importance of practicing effective mental health strategies is often overlooked, leaving many individuals feeling confused and overwhelmed as they face their mental health challenges. As a way to work towards a healthier and more balanced mental state, let’s discuss a few mental health do’s and don’ts, which include the best practices to adopt—and pitfalls to avoid—when it comes to mental health.

Do: Fuel and hydrate your mind

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, sending hundreds of billions of neural signals every second. And just like a high-speed sports car, if you want your brain to perform at its best, you need to supply it with the best fuel. To do this, add some brain-boosting foods to your diet, like brown rice and avocados, and don’t forget to hydrate often. Your brain needs to maintain its high water content to perform optimally and hydration helps improve mood, focus, reaction time, and critical thinking.

Don’t: Rely on junk food, caffeine, and sugar

Junk food, which includes over-processed or high-sugar foods with limited nutritional value, can have detrimental effects on brain health. In fact, junk food consumption has been linked to an increased risk of memory problems, depression, and anxiety. And while the brain needs glucose to function, consuming sugar in excess can lead to brain atrophy, accelerated brain aging, and restricted blood flow. 

Do: Utilize social media mindfully

It has long been established that social connections are crucial for brain health. While face-to-face meetings remain more effective for building long-lasting relationships, when used mindfully, social media can help facilitate social connections and peer support and provide a space to discuss shared challenges. So, how do you use social media mindfully? To start, set boundaries and time limits, evaluate the accounts you follow, and regularly ask yourself if the content you’re consuming is adding value to your life. To learn more about mindful social media use, click here.

Don’t: Engage in mindless scrolling or toxic comparisons

We’ve all had nights where a “quick” social media break turned into hours of scrolling. The addictive nature of apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat can leave us on the apps for hours, even at the expense of sleep, productivity, and our own mental health. Furthermore, social media encourages comparison, which can be linked to depression, poor body image, and eating disorders. 

Do: Seek and utilize support

An important part of your mental health toolkit is your support system–friends, family, coaches, counselors, or any other people you look to for support in a time of need. Additionally, resources such as the National Helpline and Suicide and Crisis Hotline are available 24/7 for free and confidential support.

Don’t: Fight mental health challenges alone

Despite increased awareness and openness around mental health in recent years, stigma still exists, and many people may feel ashamed to discuss their struggles. Facing mental health issues without support can be isolating, frightening, and overwhelming. Remember, you don't have to go through it alone. It takes courage to seek help, but support, treatment, and community can help you overcome any struggle you may face.