Mental health was once a taboo topic and was largely misunderstood by the general population. Fortunately, it has become a more receptive and discussed subject over the past few years.
Ideally, mental health issues should be treated with the same care and concern as any physical health issues. Otherwise, those affected by them will continue to remain silent without having to face the problem directly. You can adopt these 10 small habits today to enjoy a lot of mental health growth now and in the future.
1. Talk to someone
Simply talking to others about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can help you relieve the burden on your situation. It can also make it clear that otherwise might feel confused and unpredictable.
If you are frustrated, overwhelmed or displeased with your life, consider scheduling a date with a professional. They can help you identify the root causes of mental health problems and provide guidance on solutions. If you are worried about meeting with a therapist in person, try online consultation services. They are convenient, affordable, and can get the treatment you need from the comfort of your bedroom, living room or office.
2. Implement positive affirmation
Positive affirmations are simple statements you repeat to cultivate your positive mindset or opinion. They work best when repeated multiple times a day.
Choosing your own personalization is definitely the most effective. However, if you have trouble coming up with your own list, you can also choose from an existing list.
3. Get at least 10 minutes of natural sunshine
The exposure of sunlight promotes serotonin production in the brain, thereby improving mood and happiness. Research shows that spending more time in the sun may help reduce depression and promote happiness. Even a 10-minute natural sun exposure may help regulate your mood.
Sunlight also helps the body synthesize vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels are associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Therefore, getting more sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation may enhance your mental health.
4. Start Diary
Diary is a simple practice that can combat stress, enhance emotional processing and potentially alleviate anxiety. You might write five things to thank you for your feelings about the day, or write a poem.
If you can’t figure out what to write about, try using a mentoring journal. It provides tips and questions that you can answer briefly in just a few sentences. You will gain the thinking benefits of a diary without wondering what to write.
5. Optimize your health
Your physical health can have a profound impact on your mental health. Therefore, optimizing your physical health can help you feel the best overall. Make sure you eat a healthy diet every night, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
Regular physical exercise is essential for optimal physical and mental health. You can incorporate exercise into your day in an easy way. Try to stay away from the parking lot of the grocery store or office building, use the stairs, take a break every half hour, and take a walk in the office.
6. Have a social media break
Social media is an outstanding invention that helps people stay connected no matter where they are in the world. However, it can also have serious negative effects on mental health. It is well known that loneliness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are often associated with using social media.
If you want to improve your mental health quickly, consider taking a regular break on social media platforms. You should also unfollow any accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
7. Regular mental health checkups
Sometimes, mental health problems spread so slowly that it is easy to ignore them until they become obvious problems. To prevent this from happening, perform regular mental health checks. During your check-in process, just ask, “How do I feel now?”
Take some time to be honest about your emotional state. If it is not good, what should you do to solve the potential problem so that you can enjoy your life again? Such questions can be tricky, so feel free to discuss them with the therapist.
8. Clean up your environment
Excessive chaos can aggravate feelings of depression and anxiety, so it is wise to clean up your living space. If you have a hard time cleaning, start with the 1 minute rule. The rule states that if you can do something in a minute or less, don’t postpone it later.
For example, it only takes about a minute to clean up after bed or breakfast in the morning. Performing these types of tasks right away will help you avoid excess confusion and make your To-Do list smaller.
9. Listen to emotionally promoting music
Music can be incredibly therapeutic and can be listened to for free! Create playlists that can help you regulate your mood when you feel anxious, depressed, or discouraged.
A soothing playlist can help you relax on stressful days, while a vibrant playlist may lift you out of grief. You may be surprised to learn how fast the rhythm and lyrics of the songs you like can help shape your mood.
10. Spend good time with your loved ones
Hanging around with your loved one can relieve anxiety and stress levels. This is especially true if your good friend makes you laugh.
Next time you are feeling frustrated or anxious, call a friend or family member to see if they can hang out. The phone is great, but they can’t bring the oxytocin enhancement with the heartfelt hug.
Thousands of people face mental health challenges, so you should never feel alone and struggling. If you are looking for ways to improve your mental health, consider starting with these habits. Even if they are small, they can lead to huge mental health achievements.
