Tips for a healthy mental state

We’ve all heard the cliché “Follow your dreams”, “Aim for the sky” and so on and so forth. Let’s face it - we’re all doing that right now; however, in this arduous road, most of us forgot the most important thing - our mental health.

If you haven’t already realized, IGCSE is world-known for the emotional roller coaster it puts us through. Yeah, yeah… I know - it’s all for our future. “Be tough it’s only for 3 years,” our parents say, but do you think you would be able to put your full potential into something when you aren’t mentally fit for the stress? Don’t get me wrong though - I’m not saying give up. Just imagine this for a second; having a balanced life of both focus and determination in your school work yet still having the time to make glorious memories with your friends.

See… that’s not quite possible if you aren’t giving your mental health any attention. Okay, I get what you’re saying, and I understand that it’s easier said than done, but regardless of how challenging it could be to find the right treatment, I bet you’ll come up with a way to find the righteous mindset to cope with everything around you. And no, giving up isn’t an option neither is self-harm.

The best and most probably the healthiest way to maintain your mental wellbeing is by seeking help and finding the right therapist that would hopefully find a remedy for whatever may be effecting your mental health. In addition, there are many of other ways that work as distraction. And trust me when I tell you there are plenty of other ways to stay positive, watch me prove it to you!

To start off, the most desirable way of distraction as well as to brightening up your mood would be doing a hobby, and no, it doesn’t specifically have to be a sport; it could be anything from writing, reading, and drawing to composing a song, singing and learning a new instrument such as a guitar.

When it comes to writing just let your hand go with the flow; to illustrate, write down whatever comes into your mind such as how you’re feeling or what the highlights of your day were. Singing, on the other hand, is a whole other story. Don’t even try denying it - we all sing! Whether it’s in the car, shower, bedroom, you name it. Our voices aren’t exactly the best; however, letting all the tension out through a song is like finally getting all the rocks off of your shoulder. Somehow, certain songs express that mind trolling emotion making you realize that you aren’t alone.

Now, stay with me on this one. We all have a plan, right? Some of us want to be doctors while others want to be engineers – there are a lot of things to pursue. Yet, I’m sure at least a few of you are quite lost, making you feel anxious about your future. And that’s when setting your goal is important, just start off small such as finishing an assignment for the day then gradually, start aiming for the stars - for instance, getting a scholarship to a collage abroad.

Apparently, exercise is also a great way to turn that frown upside down. I acknowledge that it isn’t for everyone, but it’s a major thing when it comes to boosting that gloomy mood. Before you start attacking me on how exercise is exhausting just give me a chance to explain. Working out boosts the production of hormone called endorphins that make you feel good and energized, giving you the motivation to keep going on with your day. Not to mention, it relieves, stress decreasing any risks of heart diseases.

Don’t try fooling yourself, I reckon that most of you reading this - including me - barely get any sleep due to the piles of homework that need to be done. Despite all that, sleep is worth one weight in gold. Not giving your brain time to consolidate your memories and process information will lead to many problems and diseases such as weakening of your immune system, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, as a result of no sleep, caffeine and energy drinks are what we rely on to keep us awake for the day. Having said that, there are negative effects due to these drinks such as anxiety, headaches and also increases the risk of diabetes.

We could finally come to an agreement that mental health is what keeps you alive rather than just merely existing. It’s vital to live each day to the fullest as no one is guaranteed the next day.