So much in our daily lives can have an impact on our mental health, both positive and negative.
Work, relationships, education. These are all things we devote so much time to that we don't necessarily think about how they might negatively impact our mental well-being, especially during difficult times like these. They are just there, a part of our day that we can't change.
What we can change, however, is our attitude. How we think about the past, present and future can be critical to our mental health, especially the latter. But when you think about your mental health, it's better to plan for the future or let yourself live in the moment?
It gives you something to look forward to
A common characteristic of people suffering from mental health issues is a sense of hopelessness about their future. If you don't have a future, what is the point of today?? How are you supposed to struggle out of bed every morning if you don't take small steps towards your goal every day? On the other hand, if you have a plan for your life, however vague, it makes it much easier to perceive the here and now in a positive way.
People need goals to work towards. It doesn't even have to be a promotion or a relationship milestone, it can just as easily be a sense of relief. Working toward a few days off or a vacation can make you feel like you're making progress in your life and heading toward a light at the end of your darkening tunnel.
While it won't solve all your problems in the here and now, planning for the future can make your future seem more realistic. This notepad full of steps and goals reminds you that the dark times will end, even if you just try a little harder.
It makes difficult decisions more manageable
Life throws difficult decisions at us every day. Sometimes we can't do anything about these decisions, sometimes we are forced to make them to improve our lives. The more we try to improve ourselves and our situation, the more difficult choices pop up, and that can have a negative impact on our mental health.
Take for example the purchase of a house. This decision forces you to face a myriad of other difficult decisions. In which neighborhood should I buy? What do I need to get an approved mortgage? What level of renovations can I afford to make? Whether it's a broken wall or pre-approval on a mortgage, you'll have questions buzzing in your head and keeping you up at night.
If you plan ahead, difficult decisions and the life changes that come with them will be easier to manage. Making a list of pros and cons seems more achievable because your plans have helped you draw conclusions in advance and consider alternative outcomes.
Planning for the future may not solve difficult decisions right away, but it puts you in a strong position to handle them.
It makes your goals more tangible
Just as planning for the future makes your goals more manageable, it also makes them more achievable.
A circled date on your calendar or a check mark on your checklist makes it easier to work toward the future. Without a plan, life can feel disorganized and out of control. With one, your goals suddenly become a much more accessible list that you simply have to work through.
After all, that's what self-actualization is all about: taking one step at a time. If you start thinking of the challenges in your life as scalable walls, you'll be leaping over them in no time at all.
Your stress and mental health concerns will never diminish if you continue to see the future and what you want it to be as a distant dream that you can never achieve. A good plan simplifies this future and makes it achievable, no matter what you think about yourself at the moment.
Or should you live in the moment?
Alternatively, living in the moment could be the key to improving your mental health.
While it's healthy to plan for the future and look ahead, sometimes it's important to take a step back and take stock of how far you've already come.
Living in the moment helps you:
- Acknowledge your successes
- enjoy every second of the day
- reduce your stress level about the future
- Take more risks in the moment
Ironically, this thinking can also help you plan better for the future. This quick decision could introduce you to someone who could change your life. Taking stock of your past successes can help you put your dreams into perspective and solidify your plan.
It's impossible to say that something will or won't have a positive impact on your mental health. Every person is different and struggles with unique problems created by unique material conditions.
However, many people could change their way of thinking by simply planning for the future. Remember that it is important not to try to plan every move for the next week, year or decade, but to have something to work towards. After all, you're never sure how things will change.