Taking care of our mental health is key to maintaining good overall health. After all, mental health influences how we feel and think. It also affects how we act, especially when it comes to making decisions, handling stress, and relating to others. While serious issues like depression and anxiety should be treated with professional help, all of us could benefit from a mental boost and more balance in our daily lives. Here are 5 way to improve your mental health today – and every day.
1. Take care of your body
Given the strong mind-body connection, taking care of your physical health can vastly improve your mental health.
- Eat nutritious meals and snacks – Increase your intake of protein- and vitamin-packed foods and cut back on sugar, caffeine and processed foods.
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes – While alcohol, cigarettes and other substances may seem like a quick pick-me-up, they can actually mask or exacerbate problems in the long term. And, face it, who can think positively with a hangover?
- Stay hydrated – Dehydration negatively affects your mental and cognitive states, as the brain depends on proper hydration to properly function. So drink plenty of water to avoid headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Exercise – Releasing endorphins boosts your mood and helps reduce risk of depression and anxiety.
- Catch up on your sleep – Lack of sleep can contribute to depression and brain power.
2. Be kind to yourself:
For starters, keep (or change) your inner voice and self-talk positive. Treating yourself with respect is a great first step in improving your mental health. As challenging as it may seem, carve some time out of your busy daily schedule to do something you like that will lift your spirits. Whether it’s a hobby, a new class, a walk in the park, or getting a haircut, try something that will break up the monotony and give you a perk.
3. Learn how to cope with stress:
We all have stress in our lives. The trick is learning how to cope with it. At wellb.me, there’s a wide variety of wellness professionals accessible who provide one-on-one sessions in Tai Chi, meditation, stress management, yoga, massage and more. There are many options available to help you deal with daily stress and to quiet your mind.
4. Establish a positive support network:
Surrounding yourself with positive people will do wonders for your mental health. Whether your support network includes family, friends or online acquaintances, be sure you have one. And make plans to meet, talk and do activities with them regularly.
5. Seek professional help if you need it:
Getting professional help is a sign of power and strength. If you feel your mental health needs more treatment than what you can provide organically on a daily basis, seek out a professional.
Focusing on your mental health is vital in your journey to healthier living. Set small goals for yourself when attempting to incorporate the steps above. And visit wellb.me for even more guidance on how to improve your mental and overall health.