3 Mental Health Tips That Really Work
By Genevieve Cunningham
There’s a lot of advice out there regarding physical health. Eat more vegetables. Exercise regularly. Take your vitamins. Unfortunately when it comes to mental health, there is much less advice available. Besides the very good advice of reaching out and getting help, there is little in the way of small daily tips that can boost your mental well-being. But considering just how important our mental health really is, protecting our mental health on a daily basis is extremely important. To get you started on a path to mental wellness every single day, check out these easy tips for protecting your mental health.
Exercise
It sounds like a physical health tip, right? Actually it’s great for your mental health too! When you exercise, your body produces both adrenaline and endorphins. This makes you feel happier, as these are feel-good chemicals. Exercise also forces your body to disregard mental stress and focus on the physical stress that you’re putting it under. And lastly, exercise can make you feel better overall about your body and your life, which boosts mental health for obvious reasons.
Take a Nap
Doesn’t this sound like a really good way to boost mental health? Most of us don’t get the rest that we need, and so both our physical and mental health suffer as a result. Being well rested can change your entire perspective and outlook on everyday life. If you feel tired or even slightly rundown, a nap might make all the difference. Just schedule it into your daily routine, and stick with it, even if it takes a while for your body to adjust.
Get Spiritual
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to join a new church, travel across the world, or do anything even remotely strange. It just means to take some time to reflect on yourself, the world, and your place in it. Research has shown that people who are spiritual (not necessarily religious) are more confident in their everyday choices and slightly more mentally stable. You can get spiritual by simple reflection, meditation, or even with walks in nature. Just do what works for you.
Protecting your mental health is incredibly important for your overall well-being. If you haven’t made your mental health a priority in your life, it’s definitely time to start. If need be, follow the age-old advice and ask for help. But if for a little boost every day, add these simple additions to the mix and feel better than ever.
