10 AMAZING WAYS TO BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

our mental health drives your feelings, thinking and behaviour in day-to-day life. Your mental health also affects your potential to cope with life’s everyday challenges, work goals, relationships, stress, plus recover from hardships and setbacks. Mental health is an amalgamation of psychological and social well-being. One should understand that mental health is imperative at every stage of your life. An important part of staying fit and healthy is to take care of your mental health issues.

             There are times when life comes at you fast. Sometimes the hustle & bustle of work just manages to get in your head. When that happens sadness, stress, fear of the unknown follows. Managing your feelings and managing them well is critical for handling everyday challenges and reducing stress. There is a relationship between mental health and resilience. Wondering how to improve mental health? Well, there are plenty of things which you can do to make your mind healthy. In this article, we will talk about some tips for good mental health.

1) Inculcate exercise in your daily routine

Working out is one of the best ways to reduce stress and keep depression, anxiety at bay. Your body releases mood boosters & stress-relieving endorphins when you exercise. You should look for small ways to incorporate physical activity in your daily life. As little as taking the stairs instead of elevators can do the trick for you. One should aim for at least 30 minutes of workout daily to ensure enough hormone production. Moreover, you should consider working out outdoors so that your body can absorb sunlight and produce Vitamin-D which is a serotonin booster in the brain.

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2) Eat wholesomely

​What you put in your stomach goes to your brain. Eating brain-healthy food is one of the most important tips for mental health. Your diet directly affects the way you feel and think. An unhealthy diet can ruin your mood, weaken your immunity and drain your energy over time. Switching to a wholesome brain-healthy diet can boost your body’s energy levels, mood and sleep. You should have food which is low in sugar and rich in healthy fats and carbs. Protein-rich foods increase the production of tyrosine and dopamine in your body which keeps you active.

3) Tell yourself something positive

​The way you think about yourself has a powerful effect on your self-confidence and morale. If we pessimistically perceive our life, we can only see negative experiences that confirm the notion. You can deal with mental health issues by promoting feelings which bestow self-worth. No wonder it’s easy to fixate on self-doubting questions such as Why me? What if or What’s next? Rather than worrying about the future, you should stay in the present and enjoy it to the fullest. While getting ready for work, saying a simple ‘You look good today’ in front of the mirror can be an effective morale booster.

4) Socialize

​Although COVID-19 demands social distancing, it doesn’t mean you have to socially isolate yourself. Connecting with friends and family through phone calls, video chats and various digital tools can be really helpful. Humans are social hungry beings. We crave for the quality and quantity of relationships. This directly impacts our mental health. How to improve mental health? It’s simple, stay social.

5) Understand the importance of sleep

​Sleep plays a crucial role in your mental and physical health. A good night’s sleep is the best remedy against mental health issues. It’s as important as exercising or eating healthy. Good sleep can boost your concentration and productivity. It also aids your athletic performance, which in turn stimulates the brain with happiness-inducing hormones. Developing a good sleeping habit can boost metabolism and reduce chances of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and many other diseases.

6) Meditation

​Meditation improves your state of mind. Regular meditation can help you calm and control your brain. It literally transforms your outlook on life. Distance yourself from distractions and find a quiet place. Sit in a comfortable posture and focus your attention on words or objects. Relaxation techniques play a great role in improving the human body’s natural relaxation response.

7) Goals and rewards

​Setting goals and rewarding yourself upon accomplishments is one of the most driven tips for mental health. You should set realistic goals and set the course of your day to fulfilling the same. It can be as simple as cycling your way to the office or finishing a novel in a month. The feeling of accomplishment dominates our self-confidence. Reward yourself, boost your self-esteem and ensure self-growth.

8) Surround yourself with good people

​Happiness is contagious. Surrounding yourself with great people who know how to find and nurture happiness can be beneficial for you. One should understand that we become like those we hang out with. Find people with ideologies you find admiring and respecting. If not, then you should change your social circle for good.

9) Don’t shy away to ask for help

​There is no shame in asking for help. We all go through rough patches in our lives. If you’re not feeling good, you should try speaking to your family or friends for help. Admitting your struggle is hard. But, if you don’t release your stress and talk to others, negative feelings will start to pile up. Before it reaches its zenith or your mental threshold, you should reduce the burden and talk to the people who care about you.

​ 10) Do something for others

Helping others is one of the best feelings you can experience. When you help somebody, it uplifts your self-esteem and makes you feel blessed about your place in the world. Volunteering for social or environmental causes is one great way to give something to society. The crux is staying connected with the community and being a part of it. Small actions, done by a lot of people equal to big changes.

                 It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or an adult, anyone can experience emotional or mental health issues. If you have solid mental health, it doesn’t mean that you won’t go through bad times or experiences in life. We all have gone through loss, change and disappointments. However, you can always bounce back from trauma, stress and adversity through resilience.