SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Our mental health is an extremely important aspect of our general well-being, especially as we age. Developing mental health habits and incorporating them into your day to day life is as important as diet and exercise.

We are less informed about exactly how to maintain our mental health, and what it mean to be mentally healthy. Learning what habits to add to your routine and being proactive about your mental health helps us cope with our challenges, and enjoy life.

Here are a few simple things to begin thinking about for improved mental health.

LOOK FOR THE ROOT CAUSE(S)

When working on your mental health see if you can uncover some of the things that may be having a negative impact on your mental health. Are you in the midst of stressful situations, such as family concerns or work challenges? Have you been injured in an accident or a fall, or facing unexpected health issues? Sometimes things pile up in our lives. No one thing may be overwhelming, but when taken together stress mounts and emotions are triggered. By getting to the bottom of why your mental health is suffering, you can more easily take the steps necessary to get back on track. Sometimes there isn’t a specific reason. In this case, it might be worth speaking to a professional to help you find a solution.  

MENTAL HEALTH AND YOUR DIET

Diet, what we eat and drink, can have a big impact on how we sleep, our energy levels and how w feel. Foods that cause indigestion and/or inflammation can raise your heart rate and disrupt sleep. A mild allergy to certain foods may not be obvious on us on a day to day basis. But, when we eliminate them we may find we feel better mentally and physically.

Exercise is beneficial for mental health. Walking outdoors or on a treadmill while watching a movie  (if you are a fan of Star Wars, check out star wars streaming service ). Exercise has been shown to boost the feel good hormones in your body and result in an improved sense of well-being.

TAKE TIME TO DO THINGS YOU ENJOY 

It’s important to include activities in your every day life that you enjoy. If you like watching films, commit to watching one on a week. If board games are your thing, look for and join a board games club. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends too! Or, if you enjoy cocktails like a mojito in a can, try learning how to make them at home. Buy a drink recipe book and show off your talents at your next dinner party.  

FOCUS ON YOUR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

 Your physical well-being can play a big part in your mental health too. By eating well and getting enough exercise, you should see the way you feel increasing. Exercise releases endorphins which is the feel-good hormone. You should aim to do around two or three days worth of exercise a week and when exercising make sure you stay hydrated.

SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Start by making small changes. Experiment and see what changes make a difference. When you begin to experience improvement it will be easier to make additional changes. The last thing you need to do is overwhelm yourself.  Doing too much at once may only exacerbate the problem.    

These are just a few steps you can take to improve your mental health. We often prioritize our physical health and forget the way we feel matters just as much, if not more. By getting to the root cause of the problem and consciously improving the way you treat yourself every day, you can soon find your mental health is back on track. If this doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. A conversation with a friend, family member, or professional may shed light on your situation and help you move forward.

What are some top tips you have for improving your mental health? Let us know in the comments below.