Mental Health is very important. The focus on mental health should be as strong as physical health. I like to list some habits that encourage a healthier mindset. A healthier mind leads to more happiness, peace with yourself, others, and life. It cultivates self-growth and confidence.
We as individuals should always strive to improve our mental state for our well-being. For our ability to live life fully. Here are some habits/routines that can be beneficial to our mental well-being. Reminders and awareness of these habits can help us work towards improvement and mindful living.
- Set goals-Writing a list of goals and checking them off is a great way to boost your confidence. The feeling of accomplishment and achievement is a great feeling. If you can do one thing, than you are much more confident to do another. Make sure the goals are specific and manageable. I always feel better when I accomplish a goal, like finishing a blog post. It improves my mood, and my perception of the day improves.
- Get movement-Exercise releases endorphins, which helps elevate your mood. You may not be a fan of exercise, but at least 20 minutes of walking can be helpful. Get up, and get moving in anyway you possibly can, even if it is walking around for a bit. Our bodies need movement, and so does our minds.
- Commute with nature-Spending just 5 minutes in nature can help improve your mood. Something about being outdoors in nature just lifts my spirits. It calms me, and rejuvenates me. It shows you the beauty of the world, and it gives you a sense of appreciation. It gives you the space to think, and be free. It can bring you back to reality, and what truly matters.
- Get sleep-Our mind needs rest. Getting enough sleep gives you clarity, allows you to be more productive. It gives you the energy to go on with your day, and get what you need to get done. Less sleep creates exhaustion, unproductiveness and anxiety. It can lead to one feeling low and down. Sleep helps heal our body and our minds, so it is important to get as much as we can. Most see sleep as a luxury, but it isn’t, it is a necessity. We all know what our mental state can be with lack of sleep. We can’t think, or function like we normally do with a sleepy mind and body.
- Create a mindful routine-You can do this in the morning, at night, and during the day. This is the time to step away from distractions and just be in the moment. I think it is great to do this before bed, and after you wake up. It can help relax you before bed, and it can help recharge you before you head out for the day. This is the time to step away from digital devices, and live in the moment. Distractions can cultivate feelings of anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness etc,. Stepping away from that for a bit can help alleviate those feelings, and allow us to be in a more calmer and happier place.
- Try something new- We all have routines, but would it be more fun to do it in a different way? This can help spice up your day, and bring a bit of excitement to your day. It would make your day a little less mundane, and a bit more enjoyable.
- Less reactive mentality-Try to go with the flow of life. Remind yourself that life doesn’t always go to plan, or life isn’t always smooth. We should make some breathing room for the unexpected, so when the unexpected happens. We are able to cope better. Traffic jams, accidents, flat tires, lost keys happen etc, in these moments, take deep breaths, and accept what is. This can allow for a calmer state of mind.
- Connect with others-I always feel uplifted after meeting up with a good friend, or family member. We are social beings, so connecting with another individual is important for our well-being. Remember that quality, over quantity is important. Being able to communicate our true thoughts with another can be a wonderful experience.
- Express yourself-Similar to the one above. There are other formats to express your thoughts and feelings as well. Journaling, writing(lyrics, stories, poems), drawing, composing, can all be forms to communicate your thoughts that can be therapeutic for oneself. Letting your thoughts out brings relief.
- Drink water-Our brains are made of 75% water. Loss of hydration can have serious effects on your mood, concentration and cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that decreased water intake cultivates higher levels of anxiety, depression, anger, tension and fatigue.
- Reduce sugar/processed food intake-Eating added sugars and processed foods is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. It is also known to deplete the B vitamins we need to sustain good moods. Try to add a bit more nutrient dense foods to your diet. Balance is key.
- Gratitude-Counting your blessings is a great way to see life in a more positive light, and lift your mood. Focusing your energy on the things you do have, and the things you do enjoy is a great way to boost your mood, and put you in a happier place.
As you can see there are plenty of ways to help improve your mental health. I just wanted to bring a bit of awareness to some things that can help improve your overall well-being. Our mental health should be a priority. Mental instability is prevalent, and there should be more focus on improving our wellness. There should be lessons and classes on this for everyone. Awareness is key. Below are some visuals of mood boosters. I thought it would be a nice addition.
Psychology of Mindfulness 