As we go about our daily lives, it’s important to remember that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. There are simple things we can do every day to boost our mental health and wellbeing. Here are 10 tips to get you started:
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on our mood, memory, and cognitive function. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve our mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Find an exercise routine that works for you, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym.
- Eat a healthy diet: What we eat can also affect our mental health. Aim to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Meditate: Meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing. There are many apps and guided meditations available, such as Headspace and Calm.
- Get outside: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
- Connect with others: Social support is important for our mental health. Make time to connect with friends and family, join a club or group, or volunteer in your community.
- Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things we’re grateful for can help shift our mindset and improve our mood. Take a few minutes each day to write down what you’re thankful for.
- Limit screen time: Too much time spent on our phones, computers, and TVs can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Try to limit your screen time and take breaks throughout the day.
- Get organized: Clutter and disorganization can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and stress. Take some time to declutter your space and create a system for staying organized.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of ourselves is essential for our mental health. Make time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or getting a massage. Treat yourself to products that promote relaxation and self-care, such as essential oils, bath bombs, and cozy blankets.
Remember, these are just a few simple tips to get you started on your journey to better mental health. If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to discuss treatment options.
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
- https://www.headspace.com/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201501/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-experience-anxiety
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/high-octane-women/201203/why-mess-causes-stress-8-reasons-8-remedies
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-power-and-prevalence-of-self-care-2016011910163