Mental health is something that is discussed often. However, frequent use of any term means it often ends up being blurred. Mental health includes your psychological and social wellbeing. In addition, it includes your emotional health and your ability to name, address, and regulate your emotions.
We all can influence our mental health. It helps how we handle stress, make choices, and relate to others. Building habits for better mental health can make a significant difference in your daily life.
You might be feeling confused about where to start, so here are some suggestions:
Get Restful Sleep
Sleep plays an essential role in mental health as well as being vital for physical health. It’s not just the amount of sleep that matters. The quality of your sleep matters just as much.
Habits that may help you get a better night’s sleep include:
- No caffeine after 3 pm
- Waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day
- Having a bedroom that is a quiet, clutter-free, and relaxing place
- Maintaining a temperature in the bedroom of around 65°F (18.3°C).
Reduce the Time You Spend on Social Media
Consuming information about other people’s lives can cause you to compare yourself. Often, it promotes feelings of low self-worth which leads to depression and feelings of anxiety.
To help you reduce your dependence on social media, try to:
- Turn off notifications or delete social apps from your phone
- Make a list of more meaningful activities that can replace your scrolling sessions, for example, writing a gratitude journal
- Leave your phone in a drawer or outside the bedroom while you’re sleeping
Work on Making Your Relationships Strong
Strong relationships can have a positive influence on your mental health because they ease feelings of loneliness, add meaning to your life, and make it easier to get support when you need it.
Exercise Offers a Range of Mental Health Benefits
Exercise brings a range of benefits for your mental health, for example:
- It relieves stress
- It lifts your mood
- It helps you fall asleep quicker and sleep longer
- It helps you manage anxiety and symptoms of depression
Enjoyable exercise includes:
- Throwing a dance party
- Joining a walking or running club
- Gardening
- Walking along the beach with family
- Trying seated exercises
- Taking a yoga class
Adopt a Nutrient Rich Diet
If you want to support improved mental health, think about including the following foods that are packed with mood-boosting nutrients:
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Berries
- Bananas
- Fatty fish such as salmon
Know When to Rest and Take Things Easy
What constitutes rest varies from person to person. However, generally, it involves giving your body and mind the opportunity to unwind and restore.
Get As Much Sunshine as You Can
The sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Studies have shown this vitamin can improve mood and attitude. Just five minutes of blue skies can be a massive boost for your mind and heart. Try to squeeze some of the following into your day:
- A quick walk around the block
- 5 minutes sat outside in your backyard
- Eating lunch at a nearby park
- Holding a work meeting outside
You should find that the habits above will help improve your mental well-being. However, for mental health conditions, you need to know when to reach out and ask for help, guidance, and support.
