In the past years, there was much stigma attached to mental health, causing many people to suffer in silence, unable to seek help.
Today, the world has learned to embrace such challenges and as such, there are many institutions and movements all committed to improving mental health.
Learning how to improve mental health is crucial. If you have ever known someone who has had to deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and stress, you know how much negative effects they have on a person’s way of life.
Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Mental health is the state of one’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It is your ability to cope up with the challenges and stress of everyday life. Your mental health will affect the way you think, feel, and act in various situations.
Research shows that 27% of teenagers and young adults born in the mid-1990s and mid-2000, also dubbed Generation Z, are most likely to suffer from poor mental health when compared to other age groups.
They are also the most likely to seek help according to the same survey. Read on to find more info on how you can have better mental health so that you can live a healthy, happy, and well-rounded life.
1. Exercise
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which help to relieve stress and improve your mood. You do not have to belong to a gym or a health club or you to get a workout. Walking for at least 30 minutes each day can help boost your mood.
You can also dance to your favorite upbeat tune, or do some aerobics exercises for a good cardio workout that can lower anxiety levels. Don’t forget to spend some time out in the sun for some vitamin D, which helps to increase the serotonin levels in the brain.
2. Have Healthy Relationships
Do not live a lonely life. Go out of your way to maintain relationships that add value to your life. This way, you will always have someone to talk to and share your feelings with without the fear or judgment.
When you trust and are trusted, you are likely to feel valued. This will help you think more positively and this can do wonders to your emotional well-being. When you see the good and the positive side of others, you will also start thinking positively about yourself.
You will learn to appreciate your self and focus on your strengths.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation has very negative effects on one’s emotional and psychological well-being. It is important to get enough sleep each day. Studies show that people suffering from insomnia are likely to have depression within three years.
Having a good night’s sleep is not only about having 7 – 9 hours of shuteye every night, having enough rest will leave you energized for the next day ahead. This means, waking up 12 or 15 times each night does not count as a good night’s sleep.
4. Eat a Good Diet
The food we eat not only nourishes our bodies but the brain as well. Carbohydrates, when taken in moderate amounts help to increase serotine, which has a calming effect on one’s mood. Proteins increase norepinephrine, tyrosine, and dopamine that helps to keep you alert.
Foods with Omega-3 such as fish and nuts are also good for the brain and vegetables and fruits have nutrients that feed your body cells and affect the chemicals that regulate your mood. These nutrients help restore the brain cells’ structural integrity, which is necessary for cognitive function.
5. Learn to Take a Break
Having a change of scenery or a simple break from your daily routine is one of the ways of improving your mental health. If you have not taken a vacation in a while, then it is time to plan for one. You can choose to travel and visit a few friends or family or just go on a retreat in the woods.
While at work, remember to take a break from staring at your computer all day or talking on the phone. Take a walk to the kitchen or break room, get some water and catch up with a colleague.
6. Improve Mental Health by Challenging Yourself
Being stagnant and complacent is one of the worst ways of living. You do not have to stick with the status quo or else you will miss out on fun thing like setting goals and striving to achieve them.
There is always an area in your life that needs improvement, whether it is losing some extra pounds, building some muscles, writing a book, traveling, having a child, or learning a new language or skill.
Whatever it is, you will have a reason to stay focused and have fun as you try to realize your goals. The sense of satisfaction and joy as you reach a new milestone will keep you positive and, in turn, improve your mental health.
7. Do Something for Someone
Being helpful or giving back to society will help you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t need to be a big gesture. In fact, it can be as simple as volunteering to work in a soup kitchen or spending time with children in a home.
Whatever you choose to do without wanting something back from it will not only enrich but also expand your life and your mind too.
Improve Mental Health Using These Invaluable Tips
There are many benefits to improve mental health. Remember, having good mental health does not only mean living without a diagnosable condition but rather your ability to work through life and its potential problems and challenges with ease.
Whether you are struggling with mental health or just want to learn more about how to improve your life, check out our website.
Want more wellness advice? Read more posts on our website about how to take steps to a healthier life.