Health
6 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health for a Happier Life
A person’s mental health is one of the most important parts of life but in this fast-paced world where there are more mental health struggles than usual, whether it’s stress, anxiety or burnout, these challenges don’t have to control you.
Here are 6 ways to improve your mental health, take control of your life and live a happier and more fulfilling life.
1. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
A lady practicing meditation
In a society where there is a constant obsession over the past or the future, you have to consciously be in the moment. Forget about the mistakes you’ve made in the past and don’t let the fear of the future control you.
Try:
1 Meditating 5-10 minutes each day to clear your mind and focus on the day.
2 When you feel overwhelmed, engage in deep breathing exercises. As you inhale, think of all the beautiful things in your life and as you exhale, let go of all that makes you worried
3 Be grateful! A lot of people worry so much because they don’t realise how much they actually have. Each day, write 3 things you are grateful for and stay focused on them.
2. Make Sure to Be Physically Active.
Practicing exercises enhances mental health
Don’t sit still in front of a computer or in a single spot for too long. Research has shown that exercise is not only for your physical health, it releases toxins and endorphins that boost your mood, improving mental wellness and making you happy..
So whether it’s a jog, a stroll, dancing, running, cycling or maybe yoga. Just make sure your body is physically active, don’t be still in a place for too long.
3. Build Strong Connections and Social Relationships
Community is a great asset!
A saying goes “No man can make an Island”
This shows you how important connections and relationships are to humans. Loneliness actually worsens mental health issues while having strong relationships can foster emotional support, happiness and stability.
So make sure to connect with people, whether it’s by joining a club or group that shares the same interests with you or spending quality time with your loved ones.
And make sure to not to keep silent when you are struggling, that’s why you have people, so you all help each other when one person is down.
4 Get Enough Sleep and Rest
Sleep directly influences your mental health
Your sleep and mental health are closely related and your amount of sleep has a direct impact on your mental health. A poor sleep routine causes you to feel more stressed and irritable.
To get better sleep:
1. Create and stick to a sleep routine even on weekends. If you decide to sleep by 9, make sure you’re in bed by 9 every single day to improve your quality of sleep.
2. Avoid looking at a screen like your TV and mobile phone at least 30 minutes before you sleep, this also improves the quality of sleep you get.
3. Create a relaxing bed-time environment and routine so it’s easier for you to sleep and the quality of your sleep is improved. It could be taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, journaling or even reading before sleeping.
5 Eat the Right Food to Fuel Your Brain
Food rich in Omega-3 aid mental health
What a lot of people don’t realise is that what you eat also affects the quality of sleep you are able to receive and this directly affects your mental health.
A diet rich in nutrients and vitamins will do you a lot of good than taking junk food and food with zero nutritional value.
For your mental health, prioritise :
1. Foods that are packed with Omega-3 as they are good for the brain. These include Titus fish, Sardines, Stockfish, Periwinkles, etc.
2. Nuts, leafy green vegetables and berries.
3. Dark chocolate to boost the serotonin level. This should however be taken in moderation.
6. Make Sure to Seek Professional Help when You Need to.
Seek professional help when needed
If you have done everything possible to improve your mental health but you are not noticing changes, then you definitely need to seek professional help.
Understand that it’s nothing shameful to seek help when you need it because sometimes, that’s all you need to overcome whatever challenges you’re facing.
When should you seek professional help?
1. When you persistently feel sad, anxious or hopeless no matter what you do to improve it.
2. When you struggle with daily tasks and in your relationships.
3. When you begin to develop unhealthy mechanisms to cope like alcoholism, overeating or withdrawal.
Remember that your mental health is important. It is an important part of your life and it needs to be taken care of as well.
So with the tips below, I hope there are improvements in your mental health because everyone including you deserves to live a happier, more fulfilling life.