Emotionally healthy people can feel their feelings — positive or negative — and know how to deal with them. They also know when to seek help. How to Improve Your Mental Health.
You can practice habits that promote better mental health by eating right, getting enough sleep, staying physically active and avoiding substances like alcohol or drugs. How to Improve Your Mental Health.
1. Eat Right
We’ve all heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” Whether your mental health is good or bad, what you put in your body plays an important role.
Eating a nutrient-dense diet can improve your mood. Several studies have shown that eating a diet rich in whole foods, such as raw vegetables and fruits, can reduce depression symptoms.
However, many people do not have access to healthy food and this is a major contributor to poor mental health. Providing patients with the resources they need to have healthy meals, such as food banks, can make a world of difference in their lives. This, combined with telehealth technology for patient support and education can help to improve their overall well-being. In addition, it’s important to prioritize physical activity and get enough sleep.
2. Exercise
While exercise didn’t make it to the top 9 New Year’s resolutions according to a recent APA poll, most wellness coaches and fitness professionals know that exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Not only does it improve your physical health and trim your waistline, but it also boosts feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain.
Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, decrease rumination, and improve sleep quality at night. It is important to find a workout that works for your body and your schedule.
If you’re having trouble sticking with a workout routine, try to do it with a friend or partner. This can make it more fun, and you’ll be less likely to abandon your workout plans when life gets in the way.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital to your overall health and well-being. In fact, it is just as important as eating right and exercise. Insufficient sleep increases your risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, and poor mental health.
Avoid caffeinated beverages and large meals in the hours before bed, and limit naps to one hour. It may take a few weeks to establish a new routine.
4. Stay Connected
Try sending a thank you note to someone, expressing your appreciation or just spending time with friends and family.
5. Take Care of Yourself
It’s important to take care of yourself physically, but mental self-care is just as essential. Spending time on activities that stimulate your mind can help you manage stress and improve your mood. This can include puzzles, learning new skills, exercising, spending time with friends and family or meditating.
If you have a mental health condition, early and consistent treatment is possible with psychotherapy and/or medications.
Improving your mental health can make it easier to cope with stressful situations and build a happy, fulfilling life. Take the first steps to better your well-being today! Then, you can focus on caring for others and improving the world needs read more hear.
