We all have good days and bad days. But when is a bad day more than a bad day?
Nearly 10 million Americans “will experience a mental illness this year that is serious enough to interfere with or impact major life activities,” according to Talkspace.
And that’s why it’s so important to open up the conversation about mental health and remove the stigma.
Why your mental health is important
Our mental well-being can have a powerful impact on overall health.
But the term “mental health” might seem abstract. What does it even mean? When we talk about our mental health, we are talking about how we think, feel, and act. It also includes how we react to stress, as well as relate to others.
And we know it’s important. According to a survey by Aetna, 95 percent of people “say that caring for mental health is important.”
While we know it’s important, we struggle to make things like sleep, relaxation, and exercise a priority — activities that support our mental well-being.
The survey reports that just 26% of adults prioritize their mental well-being over physical health.
One of the reasons that people find it challenging is time. People thought they didn’t have enough time to fit in ways to improve their mental health. If only there was an extra hour in the day, they said.
But you don’t always need an extra hour to make room for sleep and relaxation — or even exercise for that matter.
How to prioritize mental well-being
Show yourself kindness. When we talk about self care and mental health, it might seem like you have to do something. It has to be another thing on your to-do list. However, simply showing yourself kindness can improve your well-being. Try to acknowledge negative thoughts but not focus on them. Or, try to turn them into something positive. If you struggle with that, try talking to yourself like a friend.
Dedicate 15 minutes a day to you. There are some days when you don’t feel like you have a minute to yourself, much less 15. However, taking 15 minutes a day will not interrupt your productivity. In fact, you might be surprised that self care can improve it. You can take a 15-minute walk in the middle of the day to clear your head or to write in a journal.
When you have a hot tub, your invitation to take 15 minutes to you is in the comfort of your backyard. Sitting in the hot tub not only improves your physical health but your mental well being. The act of taking time to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy can relax your mind.
Sleep. There’s no denying that a solid night’s sleep can make you feel good. It’s important to set yourself up to have quality rest. A nighttime routine that includes quiet time and gentle music can be helpful. In addition, a warm shower or soak in a hot tub can also set you up for a good night’s rest. Not only is it relaxing but the change in body temperature helps you reach deeper sleep more quickly.
Quiet time. You might not notice as you move throughout your daily life but there’s a lot of noise. Whether it’s traffic or notifications on your phone, it can be easy to get caught up in what’s going on around you. It’s important to make room for quiet each day, whether it’s sitting on the patio for a few moments or starting a meditation practice.
Hot tubs and mental health
It’s important to find ways to cope with the stress of daily life and improve your mental health. Connecting with others, staying positive, exercise, and sleep can help you improve your outlook. It’s also important to talk to a medical professional when needed. [source]
Techniques to manage anxiety
Meditation, relaxation techniques, and exercise can help ease anxiety and complement traditional therapies like counseling and medication. A hot tub by Master Spas can help you relax, meditate, and soak away the symptoms of anxiety. Try these relaxation techniques to manage your anxiety.
Relax at home with a swim spa
It might feel difficult to motivate yourself to hop in the swim spa to work out. However, exercise has been shown to improve your mood and you will feel more accomplished at the end of the session. These swim spa workouts can help you relax. Plus, you can enjoy the massage jets after you finish your session.
Easy Water Workouts to Boost Your Mood
Three hours of activity a week can help people who are at risk for depression. A study published in Depression and Anxiety states that “approximately 45 additional minutes of physical activity each day could translate to meaningful reductions in a person’s risk for depression.” Check out these workouts for a swim spa that can help improve your mood.
How to manage holiday stress
The added stress of the holidays can lead to anxiety, depression, headaches, body aches, irritability, and sleeplessness. When you notice yourself feeling more Grinch than Griswold, it’s important to take steps to ease holiday stress and enjoy the season. Check out these tips for managing holiday stress.
How to relieve stress in 20 minutes
According to a report from the American Psychological Association, three out of four Americans report experiencing at least one stress symptom in the last month. Stress is natural and not all of it is bad. However, we need to take action when it starts to affect our health. The stress not only strains our mental outlook but can negatively affect our physical health. Read more about how a 20-minute soak can help.
Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is October 10. The hope is that the day can raise awareness about mental health issues and support efforts surrounding mental health.
As an individual, World Mental Health Day is to make a commitment to support your own mental health and that of your friends and family.
When you take care of your own mental health, you are better able to cope with stress, be more productive, and realize your potential.
But with the demands of life, it can be challenging to add one more thing to the priority list. Do you schedule a mental health break between your 4 pm team meeting and soccer practice at 6 pm? Or, do you get up early to drive 20 minutes to the gym?
A Master Spas hot tub or swim spa can be a way for you to invest in your health and well-being.
How to buy a hot tub
Are you ready to enjoy self-care at your doorstep? Having a Master Spas hot tub or swim spa makes it easier to prioritize your mental health. You can click here to find out more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and relaxing in a hot tub. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a hot tub costs? You can request a quote here.