Health

6 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health for a Happier Life

Published

2 months ago

26 March 2025

Simple Mental Health Tips 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

Building a strong community gives you the mental stability you'd need sometimes

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.

ALSO SEE : HOW IMPORTANT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN RELATIONSHIPS?

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Health

Self-Care Friday: Rituals to Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body

Published

56 mins ago

6 June 2025

Pelumi Adelabu

Life can get overwhelming at times, but taking care of yourself can be a game-changer.

Your mind and your body are your greatest assets and they deserve to be treated with utmost respect. Give your mind the nourishment it deserves and your body the care it craves. Why? They are the real stars of your life.

When the body is sick and the mind is troubled, life can feel overwhelming and hinder your ability to function at your best.

Treat your body with grace and elegance and adorn your mind with the right information or content. Build a care system around these two important themes — body and mind.

Here are effective rituals you can start practicing to improve your self-care.

BODY CARE

1. Say No to Body Shaming

If you don’t accept your body nobody else will. It all starts with you. Love yourself and accept your body the way you are. Instead of hating your body, find a solution. E.g Hitting the gym, starting a skincare routine and more.

2. Know Your Body Type

Knowing your body type and wearing clothes that highlight your elegance and poise is a confidence-boosting practice. For example a slim person should go for dresses that add volume, rather than those that overly emphasize thinness.

3. Don’t Use Harsh Cream on Your Body

Tone and use the right skincare products that enhance your natural beauty. Avoid bleaching at all cost, it is not stylish.

MIND CARE

1. Practice Gratitude

You see, there is always something to be grateful for no matter what you’ve been through. Look at life through positive lens and be thankful. Gratitude is therapeutic. It makes you see reasons to live again.

2. Be in Charge of Your Thoughts

Be mindful of the information you allow into your mind. Be selective about the news and content you consume to avoid mental overload or negativity.

3. Heal from Past Trauma

One of the best ways to heal is to forgive. If there’s someone you are hold resentment towards, try to let it go. I know this might not be easy, but it will free you from bitterness and anger. It will help you to release toxic feelings and give room for peace. Most importantly, forgive yourself. We are humans, we’ve made mistakes, but we don’t have to be defined by them.

4. Be Positive

Don’t allow your mind to be overwhelmed with negativity. Train yourself to think positively. Celebrate the success of others genuinely. And avoid harboring jealousy towards friends who are making progress — your time will come too.

5. Practice Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Take time alone with yourself and unwind. Write down what you are grateful for, what you fear, and what you’d like to explore in the future. Writing down your thoughts helps you to organize your thoughts and that way, you will be more committed to them than when you leave it in your head.

BOTTOM LINE

Self-care doesn’t have to be a luxury — it’s in little things that cost very little but means a lot. Prioritize your mind and body, and you will elevate your game all-round. After all, without a healthy body and a sound mind, you won’t function at your best.

I hope you will try these listed rituals intentionally and enjoy a better life.

Health

The Link Between Stress and Libido – What You Should Know

Published

2 days ago

4 June 2025

Fadire Olusola

Stress has become a common part of our daily lives, but too much stress can affect our physical and mental health. One of its physical effects is a reduced sex drive. Libido is an individual’s sexual drive and is influenced by several physical and emotional factors.

A healthy libido is key to maintaining a sexual relationship. This is why managing stress is important. Here are some effects of stress on sex drive and effective ways to improve it.

Effects of Stress on Libido

Your libido can be affected by stress in the following ways :

Hormonal changes

Stress releases hormones which help the body cope with emergencies. However, too much exposure to these hormones reduces the body’s estrogen and testosterone levels, which is why partners experience low sexual desire.

Impact on Mental Health

Your mental health plays a key role in your sexual well-being. Chronic stress can cause depression and anxiety, which can affect your libido. During prolonged depression, sexual desire often reduces significantly, sex will be the last thing on your mind. This is because Emotional disorders can create a disconnect between the body and mind, reducing sexual desire.

Physical Effects

Your body is also affected by stress. Fatigue, headaches, migraines, and muscle tension are common stress-related symptoms that could make it difficult to become intimate with your partner. Additionally, excessive stress can cause sleep disorders, leading to reduced interest in sex.

So what can you do to manage this?

Effective Ways to Manage Stress and Improve Your Libido

If stress is negatively affecting your libido, here are excellent tips to improve your sexual well-being:

Relax More

Meditation, and yoga are effective relaxation when it comes to libido improvement. When stressed, find a quiet place to connect with yourself and calm your nerves. Relaxation has a positive impact on mental health and can help boost libido.

Sleep

Poor sleep has been associated with higher levels of depression. Sleep deprivation negatively affects your sexual health. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and rest. Aim for around eight hours of sleep each night to support.

Exercise

Regular physical activity is an excellent choice for those who want to increase their sexual drive. By engaging in regular exercise, you release endorphins- hormones that combat stress. Exercise also improves blood circulation and boosts energy levels.

Bottom Line

While stress cannot be completely avoided, you should not let it affect your health. Stress can harm your mental and physical well-being, making intimacy with your partner difficult. By practicing strategies such as yoga and regular physical activity, you can improve your libido.

Health

The Easiest Ways to Stay Happy

Published

4 days ago

2 June 2025

Fadire Olusola

Have you ever asked people what makes them happy? You will certainly get diverse answers. Some will choose money, others will choose close friends, and some will pick comfort. However, happiness runs deeper than this. That’s because what makes you happy today may not bring the same joy tomorrow.

Regardless of what happiness means to you, staying happy can help you mentally and emotionally. Here are some easy ways to stay happy.

Exercise

Aside from having physical benefits, exercises help fight stress, depression, and anxiety. Daily workouts are ideal for boosting your happiness and making you more satisfied. However, you need to avoid over-exercising, as this could make you more frustrated. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise.

Enough Sleep

Not having enough sleep can also make you less happy. Sleep disorders have been known to cause depression and stress-related issues. When you find yourself experiencing mood swings and sadness, your body might be signalling it needs more rest. No matter how busy you are or how much you’re pursuing success, try to sleep for at least 6 hours daily.

Be Grateful

Never underestimate the positive effects of gratitude on your mental health. Just saying “thank you” can help lift your mood. You don’t have to wait for big things to show appreciation; being appreciative of small favours could lift up your spirits.

Learn To Forgive.

Holding grudges is common among most people, as we offend one another daily. This is because personalities and how we view situations differ. Learn to always forgive those who hurt you and your loved ones. Keeping grudges leads to resentment, which can hinder happiness in most people.

Socialise More

Humans are social beings, and being around those you love can lift your mood. Although work can be time consuming, always find time for those in your life.Try attending social outings, reunions, or planning a getaway. If you don’t have friends or family nearby, consider joining a local volunteer group or community club.

Take Your Health Seriously

It’s difficult to feel truly happy when you’re dealing with health issues. That is why you need to take proper care of your body. Always check your blood sugar level and blood pressure. Try to visit your doctor regularly and never miss an appointment. A healthy body supports a happy life.

Bottom Line

Whatever situation you find yourself in,your happiness is important. Life can be challenging, but don’t let difficulties steal your joy. Always stay positive regardless of the obstacles you face; with patience and hard work, everything will be fine.