7 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Today marks World Mental Health Day, a very serious issue that should not be underestimated or overlooked. Suicide is the biggest killer among those in their young 20’s.
That catastrophic figure is thought provoking, and highlights the devastating affects of depression. Due to its intangible presence, many underestimate how worrying this condition can be. The figures continue to increase too, with 1 in 4 expected to suffer from some form of mental health issues each year.
Although not claiming that mental health can be simply cured by applying our seven tips, we offer them in an attempt to prevent and maybe even help those who do suffer from a mental health condition.
Value Yourself
Knowing your worth isn’t always easy to acknowledge, but it’s important that we do. Improve your self-esteem with positive self-talk, don’t compare yourself to others, don’t dwell on mistakes and don’t look for perfection. We all have our place on Earth, and the moment we begin to critically analyse our imperfections is the moment we set a bar that can’t be met. High goals and ambition are all positive, but picking holes in ourselves is most certainly negative.
Respect Your Body
If you don’t respect your body enough to fuel it with the right nutrition, then how can you expect yourself to mentally admire yourself? The physical and mental aspects intertwine, so what you do physically will echo itself in your mind. Eating right, offers more than one element; because when you start nourishing your body it will also create a positive mood. We recently published an article that revealed science on our gut health linking to our brain and resulting in depression. It’s not always easy to prepare food on a busy schedule, so start using expert advice and tips with Exante. It’s a great start to your health journey and we have Exante Diet that could help you begin right away.
Positivity is the Key
Those that already suffer from these serious conditions know how tedious this saying can be, that’s because it’s not just as easy as thinking positive. But with that said, it’s still a great way to prevent depression or negativity setting in for those yet to be affected. Surround yourself with positive people and not those that knock at you. It’s important to have a supporting network and if you don’t have that, then visit Talking For Wellbeing.
Tackling Stress
When feeling fragile, the last thing you want is the added pressure of withstanding stressful situations. Check out our tips on handling stress that we shared. Coping with situations when they crop up could strengthen your immune system and improve your mood. Start organising yourself and not feeling too down when things don’t pan out as you planned.
Enjoying Yourself
Find yourself a new hobby, this will soon allow you to connect with new people, channel your energy into new research and also get dopamine going. The reactions in your brain completely change when you participate in enjoyable activities. Not only will you strengthen your immune system, but also you’ll stimulate natural serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. Why not take part in rock climbing; football, running, hiking and other events that could help you get out. Enjoy getting out in nature even if it’s for long walks, these tasks have proven to help our mental state. Embrace this fine science and start making more plans, use Trespass or Blacks to get everything you need to regularly walk, hike or enjoy other vigorous tasks all year round.
Practice Mindfulness
Our brains work overtime and it infects all stages of our life. It could intrude into our sleeping hours, prevent us from enjoying a peaceful break and also make us endure a constant weight on our shoulders. Try to quiet the mind with breathing exercises that can be found online, or if you wish to take it a little more serious then enjoy Yoga or Meditation. Start planning your class close to you and get everything you need with places like Nike Store
Get Help
If you recognise that you may be suffering from mental health issues then visit your GP. They will be able to assess with the stress is getting too much and if you may need some time from work. On top of that, they can look for signs of depression. There are other places that you can receive help, such as Samaritans and the Priory Group. Don’t get dependent on alcohol or use drugs to escape your issues as this will only amplify the problems you’re experiencing. It is integral for you to get assistance before that stage, so start getting in touch with professionals, experienced in helping these types of conditions.
By Daniel Treasure, 10th October 2016