Mental health is as crucial as physical health, but we often do not pay as much attention to it as it deserves. If you are mentally healthy and resilient, then it will directly impact your other body parts. But the question is how we can improve our mental well-being. In this blog, we will try to find the answer to this question and give you practical examples that you can apply in your daily life to improve your mental health. If you follow these practical tips, you will definitely make a significant difference.
1. Try to Stay Active
You have to understand that physical activity isn’t just about fitness; it’s actually more than that, which means it gives you power and boosts your mental health. If you do exercise daily, it will release endorphins, make your body’s natural mood lifters, and also help you reduce stress and anxiety, which are the key factors that affect your mental health.
For example, practically speaking, you can stay active by doing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or cycling, five times a week, which is not difficult to do.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
If you have routine exercise, then the next most important thing is your balanced diet. Remember that your brain needs a mix of nutrients to function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health, as there is a strong correlation between mental health and physical health.
For example, you can consider a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds in your diet as compared to other unhealthy foods, especially avoid eating outside from restaurants as they do not have fresh food. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, especially eating too many spicy and oily foods.
3. Get Enough Sleep Regularly
Just like exercise, your sleeping routine also affects your mental health. If you sleep well, you feel relaxed and fresh, while if you do not sleep well at night, the next day is almost disturbing, your body is not that active, and your mind is not focused at work.
For example, you should try to get quality sleep at least for 7-9 hours each night. Try to make a schedule for sleeping and then stick to it. Remember that this schedule is as important as your schedule at workplace.
4. Practice Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay focused on the present moment and reduce stress. These practices encourage you to notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment. The more you focus on your current situation rather then past or future, the more it will make your mind more stress-free.
For example, you have to start with just a few minutes a day in the beginning. These few minutes will help you refresh your thoughts. you can also use apps like Headspace or Calm to guide your meditation sessions.
5. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care
Regular breaks and self-care routines are essential for you to maintain your mental health. They prevent burnout and allow you to recharge yourself. You have the option to take a break during the year, taking this break as an opportunity to refresh your mind and find a way to give yourself some mental comfort and energy.
For example: you can arrange a trip to a forest or somewhere far from the city where you have peace of mind and body. A place where you engage in activities like hiking, bicycling, and spending time in a green place where you have fresh air that gives you inner peace and comfort.
6. Limit Alcohol and Avoid Drugs
Alcohol and drugs can change your mood and behavior, which is somehow very different from your normal behavior, potentially leading to mental health issues. The more you avoid alcohol, the less you will have mental health issues, as alcohol gives you temporary comfort, but later on you have face many unexpected moods and reactions in your body which directly affect your mental health.
For example, if you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs to cope, you can defuse your mind and try to get involved in other things rather than drinking alcohol. If you are badly involved in this routine, you can also recover from it through medical treatment and by seeking support from a medical professional, which will help you overcome this habit and give you guidance to get rid of this problem.
7. Seek Professional Help When Needed
In some situations, you try your best to control your stress and frustration, but it doesnot work. In this case, you need Professional help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, etc. They can provide you with the support and treatment you need.
For example, you can get help from therapist if you are going through a mental health issue. Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for you and give you strength if you apply regularly.
8. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude can improve your mental health by shifting your focus to the positive aspects of your life. It can help you feel more content and less stressed. If you are thankful for things that you have, then it means you are positive about your life.
For example, you can practice every day by writing down any three things you’re thankful for. Reflect on these positives, especially during tough times. This approach will change the way you think about life and observe things positively happening in your surroundings.
9. Avoid Using Social Media
In today’s world, you have so many social platforms to interact with people, which is good, but on the other side, these social platforms also bring stress into your life. So, limit yourself to social media because the more you are away from it, the less stress and fewer issues you have.
For example, if you regularly use social media (e.g., Face book, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok), you may find people showing off a quality life. They can be influencers or other celebrities. Somehow, you feel stressed and less happy with your life by watching these people’s luxurious lives on the internet or social media, which might not be exactly the same as what it shows. The more you think about them and follow their life, the more you become dissatisfied with your own. You only complain about your life when you are unhappy with it after watching these social media individuals and then comparing your life with theirs.
This is a very common issue these days, and this last point is very important for you to focus on if you really care about your mental health.
To sum up the final remarks
Mental health is not something that you ignore or hesitate to discuss with those who help you improve your mental health, particularly professionals in that area. If you are going through this situation, then it is highly beneficial to find a way to overcome this issue. Remember that when you are mentally fit and healthy, you are not just happy and relaxed but also active and energetic at work and in your personal life. Try to use the ways that we mentioned above, as these are common ways that can help you solve this situation, especially the last point that we mentioned.
Recommended Reading
For further improvement in your mental health, I highly recommend “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. This book explores how adopting a growth mindset can enhance happiness, resilience, and success. It’s a valuable read for anyone looking to uncover their full potential.
Disclaimer: This advice here is based on general principles and may not apply to everyone. Always consult a mental health professional for personalized guidance.
