Improve Your Mental Health With These Tips
By Paul Rothbart
Everyone wants to be healthy. It's an important key to a happy, productive life. A healthy body allows you to accomplish your goals and enjoy your life. But physical health is just one part of the story. Mental health is every bit as important and, in fact, the mind and body are linked. If one is not healthy, then the other will not be. For many years, mental health was largely ignored and a stigma attached to those with mental health issues. This has been changing in recent years. Keep yourself completely healthy by paying as much attention to mental health as physical. Here are some tips to help you do that.
Laugh Often
Laughter is the best medicine the saying goes and there is a lot of truth in it. There is a significant body of research that demonstrates the positive effect of laughter on mental health. It tends to reduce anxiety leading to lower stress levels. This can help fight depression. Watch funny movies and your favorite sitcoms. Spend time with family and friends who you laugh with. Laughter helps you feel better and can make the tough times a little easier. One of my life's achievements I am most proud of is my years as a stand-up comic, providing laughs for people who sometimes thanked me at the end of a show.
Be Creative
Creativity has been linked with well-being and good mental health. You don't have to be a professional artist. Just do creative things that you enjoy. You can paint, write poetry or short stories, a novel if you have it in you. Singing and playing music are also ways to feel better. Creative problem-solving at work can also boost mental health while helping you succeed at your job. Give it a try. As a bonus, you may discover a hidden talent.
Have Some Caffeine Daily
Many people drink coffee every morning to perk up and get ready for the day. But caffeine can do more than just wake you up. Research has linked its consumption to lower levels of depression. So have that cup of coffee. If you prefer, drink some tea. Any source of caffeine will work. Even dark chocolate contains enough caffeine that a single piece daily can help boost mental health. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids which can help you stay alert and mentally healthy.
Good health is essential to living well. Mental health is a vital part of the equation. Try these tips to maintain good mental health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.