Many people think that mental health is the absence of mental illness, but it’s much more than that as it includes your emotional, psychological and social well-being. But what does energy have to do with all this? Read on to learn more about the mental health benefits of good energy and tips to care for your mental health.
What Does “Energy” Have To Do With Mental Health?
“Energy” plays a significant role in our mental health through various interconnected aspects summarized as mental energy and spiritual energy. Together they influence our sense of well-being and our psychological resilience.
Mental Energy and Mental Health
Mental energy refers to our cognitive capacity and our ability to do mental tasks. It has a number of ways of impacting our mental health:
- Cognitive functions: High levels of mental energy enable us to have a high level of cognitive functioning with improved thinking, memory, problem solving and creativity.
- Mood regulation: Closely tied to our emotional regulation and mood states, mental energy affects how we feel and respond to life events.
- Stress management: With adequate access to mental energy we can cope better with stressful events and life’s challenges.
- Productivity and motivation: If we have high levels of mental energy we feel more productive, motivated and ready to handle what life brings.
- Resilience: With mental energy available we can bounce back from setbacks and maintain emotional stability.
Spiritual Energy and Mental Health
Spiritual energy is less grounded in western science but has a long history in many world cultures and religions, most notably in Eastern philosophies. It is understood as our sense of purpose, connection with nature and with others and inner peace. It plays an important role in mental health by:
- Providing meaning: This is one of the main ways spiritual energy is manifested and is a key contributor to mental well-being.
- Nourishing resilience: Through various spiritual practices you can cope better with life’s challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
- Promoting self-awareness: Spiritual practices, if done regularly, can lead to greater self-reflection and emotional regulation.
- Enriching social connections: By fostering a sense of community and belonging, spiritual energy can enhance our mental health.
Low or Misaligned Spiritual Energy
When our spiritual energy is low it can lead to a number of mental health challenges:
- Fatigue and burnout: Mental exhaustion can result from depleted mental energy, affecting our well-being.
- Anxiety and depression: Symptoms of anxiety and depression can result from low mental energy.
- Reduced cognitive performance: Difficulties in concentration, memory, decision-making and problem-solving can result from deficits of mental energy.
- Emotional instability: When mental and spiritual energy are out of balance, mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions are often experienced.
Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health
The National Institutes of Health in its Emotional Wellness Toolkit identifies a number of important tips for taking care of your mental health [1].
Build Resilience
The ability to have fewer negative emotions and to bounce back from challenges quickly is key, including:
- Develop healthy physical habits
- Look at problems from different angles
- Learn from your mistakes
- Practice gratitude
Reduce Stress
Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can strengthen your resilience, including:
- Prioritize getting enough sleep
- Get regular exercise
- Show compassion for yourself
- Practice relaxation techniques
Get Quality Sleep
Sleep greatly affects both physical and mental health. Practice these tips:
- Go to bed and get up at the same time
- Sleep in a dark quiet place
- Limit the use of electronics
- Relax before bedtime
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine or nicotine before bedtime
Practice Mindfulness
Be completely aware of what is happening in the present moment, including:
- Take deep breaths through your nose and count to 4. Hold for 1 second. Exhale through your mouth for the count of 5. Repeat.
- Practice mindful eating. Be aware of each bite and when you are full.
- Do a body scan bringing your attention to how each part feels. Release tension.
- Take a stroll, noticing the details of sights and sounds.
Practice Gratitude
- Take stock of the things you are grateful for. Use a journal or drawings to record these
Cope With Loss
Your world changes when someone you love dies. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Be patient as mourning takes time
Here are some ways to help you through:
- Practice self-care
- Talk with a caring friend or family member
- Minimize any major changes at this time
- Join a grief support group
- Consider professional support
Strengthen Social Connections
Our social connections can influence our biology and physical and mental well-being. Try these tips:
- Build strong relationships with your kids
- Get active and share good habits with family and friends
- Ask for help from others
- Join a hobby group with others
- Learn something new in a class
- Volunteer for something you care about
- Travel and meet new people
Improving Mental Energy and Health in Utah
Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from trauma or PTSD, other mental health issues, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.
Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
Sources
Healing Through Energy Psychology. 2024. BetterHelp.
[1] NIH. Emotional wellness toolkit. 6 strategies for improving your emotional health.
