The Mirror - Mental Hygiene
How many of us go to the dentist every six months or see our eye doctor yearly? Better yet, how many of us brush our teeth or take showers regularly? Who wants gross teeth or under-the-arm stench? We all practice physical hygiene to some extent. According to the online dictionary hygiene is defined as conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
I want to focus on mental hygiene—you guessed it, keeping your mind healthy and preventing disease, primarily through mental cleanliness. Preserving your mental health can come in many forms. One could meditate, have an exercise routine, or maybe have a hobby that gives them respite from the challenges they face in life, like painting or crocheting. You are improving your mental hygiene by taking time to preserve your mental health. You learn to refresh and reset your mind, directly influencing your body.
Mental hygiene routines do not need to be long or labor intensive, as a simple five minutes daily can assist with the necessary rebalancing. Aside from participating in activities that feed your soul, you can also assess how you feed your body. By reducing food options that cause inflammation and excess weight gain, you can remove unnecessary baggage from your mind and body. Processed foods are the biggest contributor to poor mental health, for example, eating processed meat and vegetables. It is healthier to choose food that looks as close to how it would be found in nature to avoid access processing. With that said, some foods are processed and are great options, such as almond milk, but avoid ultra-processed foods with a ton of preservatives and salt. All physical elements contribute directly to your mental health.
Mental health is essential for us all, so not only should we work to preserve our own, but we must give our loved ones the mental space they need. Your mental health is a priority, but once you develop practices to support your own mental health, you will then be able to offer that space and time to others. A good practice to start with others is to ask, "Do you have the mental capacity at this time to have this conversation?" - You can ask them before you unload the heavier topics on your mind. If they say no, then revisit it later and suggest they take some time for their own mental hygiene.
Whenever someone considers their mental health and mental hygiene, it is important to consider the impact of social media. We currently live in an area where social media runs rampant. Everybody's move is posted on either Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. When you live in such a public area, it is often hard to distinguish reality from fiction. We present ourselves on social media as having a perfect light with the perfect filter, photo, and setting and doing the perfect thing. But what happens behind the camera is important. If you have not considered, I strongly encourage you to take a social media break. Consider for a day and see how you feel and maybe consider doing a week. Social media creates a constant state of comparison which is unhealthy. Love YOUR life and stop comparing it to others!
Caring for your mental health not only strengthens your well-being but also allows you to support others more effectively. Start small, be consistent, and remember: your mental health is just as important as any other aspect of your life. Take time to refresh, reset, and love the life you live—unfiltered and authentically yours.
In conclusion, mental hygiene is as essential as physical hygiene, yet it often goes overlooked. Just as we brush our teeth or shower to maintain physical health, we must nurture and cleanse our minds to preserve mental health. By incorporating simple practices—whether through mindfulness, hobbies, better nutrition, or even setting boundaries with others—we can maintain balance and clarity. It’s also crucial to limit the impact of social media, which often distorts reality and fosters unhealthy comparisons.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information you have read here.
