As a general rule, you want to take care of your health, especially as a parent. Good health means that you have more energy and can do more with your day. But what does being healthy consist of?

Most people think about good physical health. If you eat right and get plenty of exercise, you will be as fit and healthy as you can be. You should also go to the doctor if you have any concerns about your health, so you can get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. True, you can’t guarantee perfect health no matter how much you try, but you can give yourself a fighting chance.

But what about your mental health?

Some people have found that poor mental health can be more debilitating than certain physical health problems. There is definitely a link between mental and physical health. A physical injury, illness, or disability can impact your mental well-being, but the opposite is also true. People with mental health problems are more likely to suffer physically.

So, in order to be the healthiest version of yourself possible, it’s important to pay as much attention to your mental and emotional needs as your physical needs.

Here are a few ways to prioritise your mental health.

Flower Power

One very simple way to boost your mental health is by surrounding yourself with plant life. Plants aren’t magic, they won’t solve all your problems or cure any illnesses. But it has been proven that plants and flowers have a positive impact on your mental and physical health, and can even boost your cognitive abilities.

You might not notice a huge change, but every little helps when it comes to your health. By cultivating plants and flowers, either indoors or in your garden, you are engaging in a positive hobby. 

But even just being around flowers can be helpful. Floral arrangements are proven to make people happier. It makes sense that a more pleasant environment will have a good effect on your mental well-being, and you can’t get more pleasant than the beautiful colours and scents of a floral arrangement.

There’s no set place where you need plants. Of course, different plants do better in certain areas of your house. A dying plant isn’t exactly the most cheerful sight in the world, so look after what you have. Some plants prefer plenty of sunlight, while others thrive in darker corners. Choose places in your home that your plants will be happy in, as well as where they will look the nicest.

Hikes and Outdoor Exploration

Speaking of plants and mentally soothing environments, why not get out into the wilderness and explore? Hiking is great for your cardiovascular system and can be just what you need mentally as well. 

You can walk alone or with others but you should think about safety first. If you do prefer solo treks, make sure someone knows where you are and when you are likely to return. This way, if you get injured or lost on the hike, you’re far more likely to get help when you need it. If nothing else, it gives you and your loved ones some peace of mind.

The great thing about walking alone is that you have some quiet and privacy to work through any concerns you may have in your life. It can be a great way to put things in perspective. Or, if you have enough of worrying, you can put those things aside and just be alone with nature for a bit. It helps you destress.

You can also go cycling or jogging, and the workout has a beneficial effect on your mental health as well as your physical health. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as reaching your goals.

Of course, walking with friends or family is also a lot of fun and can help you all spend time together comfortably and casually. It’s a good chance to catch up with old friends or to speak to your children without the stresses of real life crowding in.

Have a Self Care Break

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues that plague people around the world. But burnout is another problem you might have to contend with. Simply put, burnout happens when you don’t give yourself a break until your body and mind decide to shut down and force it upon you. It can take ages to recover and build yourself up mentally and physically again.

In this case, it’s best to prevent burnout by giving your body and mind what they need.

This is what self care is for. Self care looks different for different people, and one thing might work for you one day, but not the next. Whether you want to curl up with a book, go to a spa for a pampering session, or even go on a weekend away, make sure you give yourself the time you need to recover from the rigours of life.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

Self care is about giving yourself time alone to reset and refresh, but it doesn’t mean you should always be alone. Even people who like their own company have a social need to some extent, and it can be hard to find the time and energy to fill this need.

This is a very common issue with stay-at-home parents. If you go to work, you get some social interaction, even if it’s not with your friends. But if you’re at home with your kids all day, you might crave some adult interaction. 

Most adults struggle to keep up with friendships, especially when responsibilities like work and family life take over. So, make an effort to meet up with friends or make new ones. Get a babysitter in, finish work early, and make sure you spend time with people you can talk to and have fun with.

If you do have concerns about your mental health, your friends can be a shoulder to lean on or cry on, no matter what you need. Sometimes even just a rant with a glass of wine can let you blow off some steam and keep you happy.

Getting Further Help

One of the best things about the modern world is that there isn’t much stigma about mental health problems. This means that you can feel free to talk to your friends about what’s going on, no matter what. But it also means that, if you need help, it’s easier than ever to seek it out.

You can often speak to a professional through counseling sessions. It could be argued that everyone should talk to a counselor at some point because it gives you the tools to work through life in a healthy way. After all, we all deal with stress and grief and everything else an ordinary life in this modern world throws at us.

But what if you need more help? Mental illness isn’t a sign of weakness or an issue with morality. It’s just a sign that you’re not well. If you’re physically ill, you see a doctor. The same applies to your mental health.

Depending on your needs, you might benefit from therapy, medication, or a mental health program designed to help you with your mental and emotional well-being. After all, we all want to be as healthy as possible, and happiness and mental health play an enormous role in that.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.