4 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health
By V.Davis
It is no secret good physical health has many benefits, we are constantly reminded every day through adverts, billboards, articles, and blog posts, etc. What we don’t usually see is the same push or promotion for us to be mindful of our mental health. Below we have listed 4 ways you can improve your mental health.
1. Love Your Body
We often think that mental health problems are triggered by relationships or work stress, but a poor diet can be a factor too. The stereotypical western diet is often heavy on meat, processed foods, fat, and sugar. By eating a balanced and nutritious diet, you will think clearer, feel better, and have increased levels of energy. Exercise can be a good way of elevating your mood. Don’t fret just yet, you don’t have to go all Schwarzenegger in the gym, a simple light work out will be just as beneficial. Its recommended that adults do 2 hours of exercise per week. If you’re not signed up to a gym you can try walking, running, riding a bike or hiking.
A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and over the years studies have shown that exercise and proper diet improves mental capacity and longevity. Being overweight or under-weight can lead to self-esteem issues and eventually depression. Eat more fresh organic fruits and vegetables, develop your own home daily workout program and in small steps start addressing your physical health today.
2. Bad Habits & Asking For Help
Do you regularly drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes? If you are, find the strength to quit. Both habits may give you short-term pleasure, but they do serious damage to your overall mental and physical health in the long run. Excessive drinking and smoking can increase stress levels and tension. When you are healthy you feel better which then puts you in a positive frame of mind. Quitting these habits can also allow you to save money and live a fuller, healthier life.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends if you need help. Going through tough times on your own can make you feel overwhelmed leading to worry and depression. Opening up to family and close friends can alleviate the weight of the problem. Always speak to someone if you are feeling mentally unwell, please do seek professional advice if you think the matter is serious.
3.Relax & Regulate Your Sleep
Today it seems normal for the average person to multitask many aspects of their lives. From working, looking after our families, and trying to make time for a social life, it can sometimes feel impossible to get a moment to ourselves. Try to find at least 20 a day for some “me time”. This allows you to unwind and release any tension or anxiety you may feel building up throughout the day.
Worry and stress can lead to a lack of sleep, and lack of sleep can lead to depression. Depression then further interferes with your sleep pattern, making you either sleep too much or sleep too little. Both cycles can increase your depression. If you lead a busy life you must dedicate an adequate amount of time to sleep.
4.Communicate & Socialise
As humans it is important we connect and communicate often with other people. You can have one good friend who you regularly communicate with or be in a large close-knit family. You must have people who you trust so you can share your emotions and feelings. Having deep and meaningful connections with other people can benefit your mental health greatly, as well as increasing your self-belief and value, build your confidence and support you. Provide you with a shoulder to cry on and encouraging words in your times of need. You will also feel good by giving back to your friends by expressing the same love, compassion and respect they show to you. Healthy relationships can lower the chances of depression.
If you are frequently surrounded by negative people don’t be afraid to seek out inspiring people and experience a more fulfilling social life. Expand your network of associates and friends. Attend fun & positive events.
