How to improve your mental health

If you have ever wanted to improve your mental health you are not alone. 

But how?  Today, I focus on busting one unhelpful myth.

THE MOTIVATION MYTH 
If I could just feel more motivated I would be able to achieve more/look after myself better / (insert your own saying).
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Motivation can be defined as an internal process that directs and maintains behaviour. 

It is thought to be what causes you to move towards your goals. 

How many times have you said “I’m unmotivated”? Which translated means – I don’t feel like doing it. 

I’ll let you in on a secret, you may not know - 

Your brain sees change as scarey. 

Anything that disturbs your environment and is different, your brain processes as a potential threat. It then takes mental energy to work out whether it is a threat or not. 

So let’s say you start with a great idea that you would love to change your life so that you were braver, calmer, fitter, healthier. You can see yourself and all that you’d be doing when you achieve that goal. And that involves change. Changing your mindset, changing your schedule, changing up your habits.

So, is your brain going to take all this change lying down?

NO.

As much as you stand there encouraging your brain – we can do this, we’ve got this, let’s go – it ain’t going to come easily. (imagine a toddler, in the supermarket aisle, not wanting to move).

So, what do you do?

You need a bridge.

A well constructed bridge to take you from here (frazzled, overwhelmed, exhausted) to there (in control, calmer, confident).

I can tell you one thing – that bridge is not going to be motivation.

It may have some motivation in there – but to work it’s going to need structure, processes, knowing how to create habits that stick, knowing what obstacles are going to pop up and what to do about them, support from friends, family and/or an accountability buddy, a clear understanding of why this change is important to YOU, an understanding of the change process and self-compassion.

This is why when I teach people how to improve their mental health – to get from here to there – it’s not just one session on motivation, dust my hands and say ‘you’ve got this’, and walk away.

NO. 

I provide education, understanding, structure and fierce support.

Improving your mental health requires a considered structured approach. It takes your time, your open mindedness and your commitment. 

So ask yourself. 

What is important to you? 

What really matters?

Give yourself permission to invest in yourself and get support to create the bridge.

Until next time, take care of yourself,


Kim xx

​Of course, if you are experiencing significant distress please contact your GP, therapist or 000.

For resources that can help see - https://positiveyoungminds.vipmembervault.com