Simple Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

Being mentally healthy means more than being free of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Being mentally healthy involves being content with your life, maintaining a balance of work and play, having a positive self-image, being flexible and able to adapt to changing situations, dealing with stress and adversity, engaging in mutually fulfilling relationships with others.

A person who is mentally healthy is able to face challenges, to bounce back from hardships with resilience, build strong bonds with others, and lead a fulfilling life that positively contributes to society. As with any other aspect of health, time and energy must be invested in improving your mental health.

Here are some simple ways to improve your mental health:

• Assess Your Physical Health
o Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, so adequate attention must be given to caring for your body.
• Exercise
o Exercise produces endorphins, which are hormones that actually help you feel happier.  Plus your brain can actually grow new brain cells (scientifically called “neurons” while you are working out).
• Rest
o Most people need around seven or eight hours of sleep each night to have sustained energy throughout the day.
• Eat Well
o Proper nutrition is essential to your mental health. Certain vitamins and nutrients can drastically affect your mood.
o Focus on eating natural foods in their purest form. Avoid processed foods. Fish are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are excellent for your brain.
• Get a Massage
o Massage therapy is a source of rejuvenation that has both physical and mental benefits.
• Avoid Harmful Substances
o Illegal drugs, smoking, and excessive alcohol use can all have extremely negative effects on both your mental and physical health.
• Get Outside
o Sunshine is a proven mood booster. Spending time in the sun ensures that you get plenty of Vitamin D as well.
• Spend Time with Loved Ones
o Whether friends or family, set aside time to be with those people that you truly care about.
• Do a Good Deed
o Helping someone else automatically makes people feel better about themselves. Find someone, whether friend or stranger, that you can help out with an act of kindness.
• Develop a Hobby
o Find an activity that you enjoy, then set aside time to do it. This can be something that you do alone or with others.
• Bolster Your Brain Power
o Complete a brain boosting activity, such as a crossword puzzle or Sudoku.
o Try using software like Neuro Programmer to see if it helps improve your concentration.
o Read a book or try to learn and use a new word every day.
• Manage Your Stress
o Find positive outlets for dealing with stress, such as exercising, talking it out with a friend, or taking a hot bath.
• Let Your Creative Juices Flow
o Engage in an activity that allows you to express your creativity, for example gardening, playing an instrument, painting, etc.
• Unplug
o Take a break from all electronics, including computers, TV, video games, and cell phones.
• Declutter
o Organizing your home or workspace brings about mental clarity and a sense of calm.

Following these simple steps will start you on the path of a lifelong journey of good mental health.