Everyone wants to be physically fit. To be able to run several miles without breaking a sweat. But not everyone shouts out to the world that they want to be mentally fit. What does running 100 miles matter if your thoughts are clouded and you start lashing out at those running in the game of life with you? If you want to know how to improve your mental health, read on.
Eat a Proper Diet
A proper diet is a great way to maintain your mental health. Go for health food like lean meat, green leafy vegetables, and fish. If the food is filled with sugar, and fat avoid eating too much of it. Avoid food like chips, fast food, and sodas.
And no, a Diet Coke is not an exception.
Eating the wrong kind of food can cause a multitude of problems like hormonal imbalances and an uneven sleep schedule which will definitely affect your mental health in the long term.
Exercise
Exercise isn’t only a great way to improve your physical health but also your mental health. It is even prescribed by professionals to cure mild depression and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain that gives you that happy feeling after a good jog.
Communicate
Being alone doesn’t help one’s mental health as we are social beings. Surround yourself with people with a positive outlook in life. You’ll eventually end up smiling in the face of adversity as well.
Make sure to let your friends and family know when things are becoming too much for you to handle. They’ll be more than happy to support you and help you figure out what to do in your darkest hours.
Manage Stress
Life is stressful. There is no getting around that, but don’t let stress eat away at your life. Do your best to think of stress as a way to temper your resolve for the future and not as a problem to be worried about. Look for ways to fix the sources of your stress.
Is it your neighbor who keeps playing loud music in the middle of the night? Communicate with them and share your woes. It’s better than bottling it up to yourself.
Is it your job? Try to find creative ways to make your job more meaningful and fun.
Not all problems can be solved however and that neighbor might be too stubborn or your job is just difficult to enjoy. In the end, the best way to manage stress is to throw it out the window every once in awhile and enjoy life.
Enjoy Life
Do what you love. Take some time out with friends and family while forgetting about the stresses of your job. Take that hiking trip that you’ve always wanted to go to.You deserve to enjoy life.
Don’t let anyone or anything tell you otherwise.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and it shows in day to day life. If you have a friend or family member with a cloud above their head, don’t hesitate to show them how to lead a mentally healthy lifestyle or this blog to shine a little sunlight in their life.
