Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social health. it affects the way we feel and act upon things. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or the manager of a reputed company, mental health is equally important for everyone. With good mental health, comes better stress management, and healthy decisions in life. In this article, we are going to discuss how you can fight mental health issues and acquire a healthy lifestyle.
Taking steps to improve your mental health
According to research conducted in 2017, one in five adults in the US have faced some kind of mental issues in their life, the number predicted to have been 46.6 million. While it is suggested to seek professional help to resolve this issue, there are some steps you can take at home to get your mental health in shape.
1. Write down something you are grateful for
Writing something down is the old school method of having a shoulder to cry on; you can vent in your journal all you want, and once you’re done you can note down all the things that you are grateful for in life. Gratitude is one of the most important aspects of life and it is important to recognize your blessings to stay happy. This method has proven to help people with mental issues significantly.
2. Get a decent amount of sleep
Sleep is essential for the body to function properly. Experts suggest that at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep is necessary for adults. Sleep releases chemicals that are important for the brain to function and process emotions. Insufficient sleep can lead to problems such as depression, anxiety, and other disorders.
3. A balanced diet intake helps
To stay healthy, it is important to have a balanced intake of food. A constant intake of fats and junk food can make you lazy. A healthy alternative to this is green vegetables and dairy products. Deficiencies such as iron deficiency can arise due to an unbalanced diet and can harm mental health.
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4. Interact with your loved ones
Sometimes, days pass by without interacting with your loved ones. As important as it is to check on them, it is also crucial for your mental health as this causes the brain to release dopamine and serotonin which are hormones that make you feel happy. Support from friends and family can lift your self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself.
5. Do something you like
Having ‘me-time’ is very important to flourish. Whether you like watching movies or going on walks, go for it! set aside some time from your daily routine and enjoy it. Life can get sad and gloomy if you don’t spend enough time on yourself and your hobbies.
6. Help other people out
Doing something nice for others makes you feel good about yourself. It gives you a sense of belonging and makes you feel accomplished. try to volunteer in charities and orphanage homes, it will surely lift your mood.
7. Learn time and stress management
Managing time and stress effectively is a sign of a strong personality. it is one of the most useful skills that can help you tackle even the toughest of situations. To manage stress, it is important to know the root issue that causes you stress. Once you figure that out, all it takes is some self-discipline and consistency.
8. Avoid smoking and other drugs
Excessive intake of drugs can cause problems with mental health such as severe anxiety, depression, and clouded thinking. Drinks such as alcohol can cause abrupt changes in moods, paranoia, and delusions. Avoiding drugs altogether is a favorable choice.
9. Exercise daily
Exercising daily to keep yourself active is really important for the body. Chemicals such as endorphins are released, which are good for mental health. No matter how busy your day is, try to set aside at least 30 minutes for exercise daily.
10. Take a break
Lastly, when it all feels like too much to handle, just step back take a deep breath, and relax. It’s all going to work out just fine. Do an activity which consists of taking three long breaths, and hold them for three seconds each to calm yourself down and help you think clearly in every situation.
Mental health should not be ignored, if you ever feel that you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and talk to them about it, or seek professional help.
Stay resilient and take care of yourself.