While there are many small things we do every day that can be modified to improve our mental health, very often we forget to look after ourselves. We tend to focus more on our physical health than our mental health, and honestly, mental health is the most important.
Being mentally healthy is an everyday job. We all experience stress – from work, from relationships, from financial matters, or lately, from the changes caused by the pandemic. But the good news is that we can do something about it. We can take action to manage this stress and balance it with positive experiences.
How to Improve Mental Health with Simple Tips
Here are 10 expert and research-based habits to improve mental health. In the following, you will find out how you can incorporate them into your routine.
Get Moving
Being physically active helps reduce anxiety and depression. Be it running, skiing or gardening, being active is a good way to relax your mind. Are you stuck at home and can’t go to the gym because of COVID-19? Check internet for many videos and apps that will help you burn off some energy without leaving your living room. Alternatively, you could add a morning walk to your daily routine.
Spend Time for a Good Cause
Those who volunteer demonstrate better mental health. The benefits of volunteering are most significant when you do it for charitable reasons. There is evidence that people who are willing to volunteer are more content with their lives and less depressed. There are many organizations to start volunteering. You will find volunteer opportunities related to COVID-19. There also site which offer virtual volunteer opportunities. Stay tuned for more habits to improve mental health.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
By eating right, you’re doing your body and mind a favor. Don’t consume too much caffeine. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) of Canada, caffeine may interfere with sleep and increase anxiety. As for alcohol, drink in moderation. Booze is a known factor in depression. If you frequently have a drink in your hand, you should know that there are effective ways to reduce your drinking.
Reduce Stress at Work
Work-related stress can quickly build up. By identifying ways to balance your work life and make it less stressful, you will avoid burnout. There are many ways to prevent burnout. You can talk to a trusted colleague or take up a hobby. You may also want to focus on the aspects of your job that are most satisfying to you. Balancing your telecommuting and home life is not always easy. But this is the new normal. If you’re struggling, talk to your manager about ways to adjust your duties.
Be Kind to Yourself
When you’re having a bad day, tell yourself that it happens. Did you cross off all the tasks on your to-do list? Well, don’t beat yourself up about it. It is so easy to get bogged down in blaming yourself. This is especially so in a world where productivity is demanded and constantly promoted on social media. Therefore, take a minute to be less harsh on yourself. Have some compassion for yourself. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend.
Slow Down
As the pace of life increases, so does the brain. Slowing down to concentrate on the present moment can help reduce stress and anxiety. Spend some time during the day meditating; it will help your mind become more grounded in the present. Many mental health experts also recommend reducing distractions. Place your phone away when you are talking, for example. Also, pay attention to what you see and hear. Stay tuned for more habits to improve mental health.
Have Some Fun
In the midst of our goals, household tasks and daily life, we often forget to make time for pleasure. These moments can be very beneficial. When you have fun, you are in a better mood, less sad and less anxious. There are real health benefits of laughing; it reduces stress and stimulates the organs.
Get Adequate Sleep
When you feel fussy, it may be because of your sleeping habits. Getting a good night’s sleep can help keep your mind sharp, productive, focused and happy. Getting enough and good sleep also boosts your immune system. There are some simple rules you can follow to get the best sleep possible. For example, you can set a schedule and limit your screen time.
If you suffer from insomnia, get up and do something else for a while. If nothing works, consult your doctor or consider solutions such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Stay tuned for more habits to improve mental health.
Stay in Touch with Your Loved Ones
Some research has shown that friendships can promote lifespan. Over the course of a lifetime, social bonds have multiple effects on health. Regardless of our age, telling friends about our problems is good for us. Once you are about 50 years old, a large group of friends even seems to protect against hypertension and inflammation. Getting together may not be possible right now, but online connections count!
Chat groups, online quizzes… There are all kinds of ways to keep your social life going even from a distance. Stay tuned for more habits to improve mental health.
Find Help When You Need It
Are you experiencing significant changes in your behaviour or mood? You may want to see a therapist. If you believe this to be the case, it’s better to look for help sooner rather than later. In United States, there are many different mental health professionals who can help you. These include psychologists, counselors and social workers. Use Psychology Today to find a mental health professional.
Habits to Improve Mental Health – Bottom Line
Having strong habits is important to promote our own mental health, prevent failures in our well-being, and protect ourselves when those failures occur. This past year and a half has been tough for many of us and our mental health has been put to the test.
Building these 10 habits to improve mental health can have a significant impact on improving our ability to cope with stressful events.
