Nowadays, we finally understand the importance of mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is being broken, and we recognize that our mental health should be treated in the same way as our physical health. It’s vital. So how do we improve our mental well-being? What do we do?
There’s no set strategy that paves the way to a healthy mind. We encounter workplace stress daily, plus we face stress at home. However, there are lots of small things we can do that will help us take a step towards mental vitality. Here, we look at simple and easy ways to inject self-care into daily life.
Be active
We all know that being active is good for our body, but it is also the key to good mental health. It is said that regular exercise relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours on a treadmill, you can get active in lots of ways, so pick something you enjoy. If you like walking, embrace the great outdoors for half an hour a day. Or why not try yoga? Not only is this a great way to improve muscle strength and overall fitness, it also encourages us to be mindful and present, greatly improving our state of mind.
Embrace the Land of Nod
Sleep is crucial. Without good quality sleep, we can face mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. So, while our endless to-do lists can leave us constantly feeling on the go, it is important to prioritize time to rest. If you’re struggling to sleep, there are small things you can do to help you drift off. Firstly, try to resist the urge to scroll through social media when you climb into bed. Not only does this keep your mind active, but the light from the screen also makes it more difficult for your brain to switch off. The same goes for your Netflix binge last thing before bed. Instead, try having a hot bath or reading a book.
Take control
Better managing things in life will help to reduce stress and anxiety. This could be anything that’s within your control, from implementing careful budgeting to establishing a better bedtime routine. For example, do you regularly feel overwhelmed with everything you have to do? Anxious you might forget something important? Something as simple as a diary can help to relieve stress by planning what you need to do and when you need to do it. Even the act of writing things down is said to be beneficial to mental health, as it relieves your brain of the pressure of trying to remember everything. No matter which part of your life is putting a strain on your mental health, take control by writing lists and planning. It will greatly improve your well-being.
Why not implement these self-care tips into your routine today? In case you need more tips, check out these 9 habits that make you healthier. You’re sure to feel mentally healthier and happier!