We live in a fast-paced world of schedules, activities, to-do lists, and watching the clock. Before you blink an eye, the day has flown by, and the week is behind you. Have you ever finished the day and thought to yourself, “where did the time go?” We are amazed when the weekend comes to an end, yet there is no memory of what you did or how you spent your time.
We spend so much time planning, looking to the future, and worrying about the past that we often forget to connect to the present moment. The present is a precious gift to be cherished and appreciated. For those who suffer from mental health issues and addiction, staying focused on the present can make all the difference for lifelong recovery.
At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, the experienced professionals understand the importance of living in the present moment and how awareness and mindfulness help those in recovery to remain focused, relaxed, and healthy. Reach out to an admissions counselor today to start the journey of sobriety and well-being at 833.625.0458.
Self-Awareness & Mental Health
While self-awareness seems to be the latest buzzword, its true meaning can be elusive. Researchers have categorized self-awareness as both internal and external, each with its own specific impact on mental health.
Internal self-awareness represents how we perceive our values, thoughts, emotions, and connections with others and is closely tied to depression, anxiety, and happiness. Conversely, external self-awareness is our perception of how others view us. Therefore, these two factors can be at war with one another, creating a volatile and dangerous situation.
By being self-aware, those who struggle with mental health can create a calm, peaceful state of mind to focus on recovery, rather than delving into thoughts or opinions of others, negative emotions, or worries about the future. Healing starts in the present.
Ways To Connect To The Present Moment
Remaining in the present moment is critical during recovery as patients learn to evaluate their thoughts and behaviors and practice healthier ways of thinking and acting. As part of mental health treatment, there are many ways that residents can connect to the present moment and focus their energy on the healing process, including:
- Meditation
- Practicing yoga
- Mindful breathing exercises
- Writing in a journal
- Visualization
- Take a nature walk
- Positive affirmations
Give your mind, body, and spirit the full attention that they are due. Connecting to the present moment will bring clarity and focus, allowing you to appreciate the hard work and effort that you are putting into your recovery. Being present in the moment allows those who struggle with their mental health to be better prepared for the future without worrying and stressing about what is to come.
Mental Health Treatment
Mental health therapies begin with mindfulness or the state of being grounded in the present. It requires a patient to be aware of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and the triggers that cause stress. Returning to the moment brings a sense of clarity, awareness, and positive feelings to be tapped into when the going gets tough. The going will inevitably get tough, but you will be ready.
Connecting to the present moment is not always easy with all of the distractions of life and the negative thoughts that threaten a patient’s wellbeing. However, it is critical to mental health treatment and recovery.
At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, mental health treatment is a mind, body, and spirit treatment process that focuses on the whole person. We offer programs and services designed to meet the needs of every individual where they are and develop a treatment plan to help them connect to the present moment and focus on recovery, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Learn More About Mental Health Treatment in Georgia
Learning how to slow down, enjoy the present, and focus on recovery can be challenging. At Atlanta Center for Mental Health in Atlanta, Georgia, the experienced mental health professionals help residents to focus on the present. We encourage patients to take full advantage of all of the opportunities, programs, and services offered to get on the road to recovery and create the life they want.
If you or a loved one suffers from mental health issues, reach out today to learn how to connect to the present and create happiness in the future through the online form or by calling 833.625.0458.
Atlanta Center for Mental Health is a free-standing, non-hospital-setting, residential facility that treats co-occurring mental health disorders along with primary mental health diagnoses. Our goal is to transform your life and put you on the path to wellness and recovery.