How Can We Improve Our Mental Health?
It’s important to take care of yourself and your mental health. In addition to impacting how you feel, your mental health can affect the quality of thoughts, how you cope with stress and how you relate to other people.
You might find it helpful to only try what feels comfortable, figure out what works for you and go at your own pace, and take small steps.
Here are some tips that can help you elevate your mood, become more resilient and enjoy life more.
1. Physical Activity
Staying active is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Regular exercise can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health.
Keeping active, whether it’s playing sport, going for long walks, going to the gym, or running, will help lower stress and anxiety levels, as well as help you improve your self-esteem and lift your mood.
2. Talk Positively To Yourself Throughout The Day
Perceiving your life negatively means you’ll be seeing yourself through a negative lens. Some positive words you can begin to say to yourself daily include:
- I am proud of myself
- My hard work pays off
- I can do this
- I can make a difference in the world
Express gratitude and set aside time each day to think about the good things in your life can change your outlook and help you enjoy life.
3. Connect With Others
Humans are social beings. It’s important that you have strong and healthy relationships with others. Make plans will friends and family members, and/or seek our activities where you can meet new people.
No matter how much time you devote to improving your mental and emotional health, you will still need the company of others to feel and function at your best.
4. Eat Healthily
When you eat an unhealthy diet, it can take a toll on your brain and mood, disrupt your sleep, sap your energy, and weaken your immune system. The food and drink you consume affects the development and day to day maintenance of your body. Ensure you eat a well-balanced diet will help you manage stress, positively impact your ability to concentrate and help you feel better day to day.
5. Do Something You Enjoy
What do you enjoy? Reading? Painting? Dancing? The possibilities are endless but it’s very important for your emotional well-being that you spend time doing something you love to do.
Having fun, smiling and laughing can help alleviate stress and focus your mind on something that brings you joy.
6. Ask For Help When You Need It
There is nothing wrong with seeking help for your mental health and well-being. Whether you just want to confide in a trusted friend or feel the need to engage the services of a professional, seeking help is the healthy thing to do.
Our society still carries a stigma in regards to mental health and seeking help, but this is changing. People are beginning to understand how prevalent mental health issues are and how important it is to seek help.
Look after your mental health. You don’t need to do this alone!
For more information or advice about Mental Health, check out the Mental Health Foundation or feel free to send us a message.