Tips for Building a Strong Mental Resolve

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Ambassador Natasha Bhalla DDS, shares her tips on how she builds a positive, mental reserve while working in her field.  An advocate of living a balanced and happy life, she believes that you cannot take care of anyone else if you are not mentally well yourself. While she does not think that it is possible to always be happy because life has its ups and downs, what’s more important is to be able to handle life’s obstacles when they come your way. 

When you do face obstacles and disappointments at work, here are 6 tips on how to build a strong mental resolve to handle it:

1. Spend one day with zero plans and zero to do lists items. Ignore the nagging voice in the back of your head that feels guilty and wants to accomplish more. You’ll find that you are more refreshed and more energized and even more productive the next day and week.

2. Give yourself small things to be excited for. People are happier when they are looking forward to something. It could be the basketball game that's going to be on TV or ice cream after dinner. Excited and happy people are also easier to work with.

3. Pay attention to your energy when around others. Do you feel uplifted or drained? Intentionally surround yourself with people who make you feel like you can do anything, who do not minimize your emotions and who are willing to talk about important topics to you.  Whatever that may be, pay attention to what you need and seek that out. Try to avoid people who make you feel drained after being around them. 

4. Exercise frequently. We’ve all heard this a million times before, but it does not need to be anything fancy-  a light jog, a brisk walk or exercises using your body weight are some options. Try exercises from @kaylaitsines, who caters to small spaces and minimal equipment.

5. Write your thoughts out. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone or are just frustrated and need to vent, write it down because you may automatically feel better. This way you can also examine your thoughts and feelings and come up with a solution.

6. Read inspiring & uplifting books. Two great options are Mindset by Carol Dweck, and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie amongst other books. These positive self-help books can make you more positive and excited about life.

I hope some of my tactics help. Needing to build a mental reserve may make healthcare seem like a terrible field where practitioners need to do so much to help manage themselves. However, I think if you are putting years and years into learning how to take care of others, it is likely that you will need to devote time and energy into keeping yourself healthy.

For more information, be sure to follow Natasha @dr.natashabhalla.