It’s no secret that life can be tough. Juggling work, family, and social obligations can feel like a gargantuan task at times.
And when stressors like these become routine, it’s easy for our mental health to take a backseat.
If you’re feeling bogged down and struggling to find ways to boost your mental wellbeing, read on for some helpful tips!
Importance of maintaining mental health
It’s essential to maintain our mental health just like our physical health. After all, our mind is a complex and powerful tool that helps us make sense of the world around us.
When it’s not operating at peak efficiency, it can have a significant impact on our daily lives.
According to the World Health Organization (2020), depression is one of the leading causes of ill health and disability, and suicide is a leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
Another study by Mind in 2020 found that 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.
That number is only expected to grow as the prevalence of mental illness continues to rise, especially post-pandemic.
So what can we do to prevent ourselves and others from becoming part of this statistic?
Below are 7 tips that can help you ease your mind.
1. Identify what makes you happy and do more of those things
We all have different things that make us happy. It could be spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, or indulging in a favorite hobby.
Whatever it is, making an effort to do more of those things that make you happy and can go a long way in improving your mental wellbeing.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and it can also boost your mental wellbeing.
Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve cognitive function among other benefits.
The reason it helps is due to the release of endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects.
Exercise also helps you to manage stress by providing an outlet for pent-up energy.
And finally, exercise can improve cognitive function by helping to protect the brain from age-related damage and improving blood flow to the brain.
Therefore, you should aim for at least 30 mins of exercise every day.
But the question is which exercise to go for?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best exercise depends on the person’s individual needs and preferences.
Just getting outside for a walk in the fresh air is a great start and will do wonders for your mental well-being.
Taking it a stage further, some good ones to boost mental health include aerobic exercise, strength training, and yoga.
Aerobic exercise is great for improving mood and reducing stress levels.
Strength training can help to improve cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related damage.
Yoga can be beneficial for mental health by helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
3. Connect with your friends and family – they are a great support system
One of the best things about having friends and family is that they can be a great support system during tough times.
When we’re feeling down, it can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what we’re going through.
Talking openly about our feelings and struggles can help us to feel more understood and supported.
And in turn, this can help to boost our mental well-being.
However, choosing the person wisely as speaking to the wrong person might turn out to be counterintuitive.
4. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health.
When we don’t get enough sleep, it can take a toll on our mood, energy levels, and ability to concentrate.
Aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep each night is a good way to make sure you’re getting enough rest.
And if you find yourself struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, there are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep quality.
Some helpful tips include avoiding caffeine before bed, establishing a regular sleep schedule, reading a book instead of scrolling on the phone, which can all be part of a relaxing bedtime routine.
5. Eat healthy foods that will keep your brain functioning at its best
A healthy diet is a key to maintaining our physical health, and the same goes for our mental well-being.
Eating a balanced diet of nutritious foods is important for keeping our brains functioning at their best.
Some foods that are particularly beneficial for mental health include berries, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
Avoid all kinds of junk food and high sugar intake. Replace such food items and drinks with healthy ones, whenever possible. Of course, occasionally it doesn’t hurt to stray a little. Balance is the key here.
Alcohol too has been shown to have adverse effects on both physical and mental health.
Sea Arch Drinks have made it their mission to create a delicious range of uplifting and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks.
The Coastal Juniper spirit is made with all-natural botanicals, is sugar-free, calorie-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial sweeteners.
It’s ideal for those wanting to cut out alcohol altogether or just want to drink less.
6. Take breaks during the day to relax and rejuvenate yourself
It can be hard to find time for ourselves in today’s busy world.
But it’s important to make time for relaxation, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Taking breaks during the day to do something calming, like reading, listening to music, or taking a walk, can help to boost your mental wellbeing.
Pro Tip: Try to avoid screen time during the break and instead involve yourself in off the screen activities.
7. Seek professional help if you’re struggling
Last, but most important of all tips is to seek professional help if none of the above tips are working.
Don’t feel shy. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about the best course of action for you.
Conclusion
Don’t let stress get the better of you!
These 7 simple tips can help to boost your mental wellbeing.
Start incorporating them into your life today and see how much better you feel.
