7 Simple Practices To Improve Your Mental Health And Wellbeing

1. 7 Simple Practices To Improve Your Mental Health And Wellbeing It can be easy to forget the importance of taking care of your mental health, but it can have a major impact on how you feel, think, and act. Fortunately, there are simple practices that you can incorporate into your daily life to improve your mental health and wellbeing. From setting aside time for self- care, to making changes in your diet, to learning how to manage stress, these 7 simple practices will help you take charge of your mental health and feel more balanced and fulfilled. 1. Prioritize self-care This is often the first thing that gets put on the back burner as life gets busy, yet it’s one of the most important aspects of good mental health and wellbeing. Self-care is about making time for yourself, and treating yourself with kindness. It can be as simple as taking a walk in the park, reading a book, or meditating. Whatever feels right and works for you is the right choice. You might already be practicing a few of these self-care techniques, or you might

2. want to add a few more to your life. The important thing is that you make a conscious effort to prioritize yourself and your mental health. 2. Make dietary changes What we eat can have a huge impact on our mental health, so it’s important to pay attention to what we consume. Eating a balanced, healthy diet can go a long way in helping you feel more positive and energetic. While there is no “one size fits all” approach to diet, in general, some dietary changes can make a big difference. For example, studies show that a low-sugar or sugar-free diet can reduce anxiety, whereas a low-carb diet can improve mood and help with depression. It’s also important to include foods in your diet that are beneficial to mental health. For example, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a decrease in depression and anxiety, and foods rich in B vitamins can help with sleep and boost your mood. Before making any dietary changes, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. Because everyone’s body is different, you may need more or less of a certain nutrient than others. A basic blood test through your primary care provider can help determine if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals. 3. Exercise regularly Exercise is one of the best ways to manage your mental health, boost your mood, and improve your energy levels, confidence, and self-esteem. It’s important to find an exercise that feels right for you and that you enjoy, as this will make it easier to make it a regular part of your life. Exercise can help with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. If you’re not sure where to start, try something like yoga or tai chi, as these are low impact and are great for all levels of experience. You could also try a group exercise class or recreational sports group, as these provide a social outlet that is important for mental wellness as well.

3. 4. Connect with others We often look at mental health in a very individualistic way, but research shows that connecting with others and building strong social networks can make a real difference to your mental and emotional wellbeing. Studies have found that having strong connections can lower your risk of mental illness, improve your mental health and wellbeing, and help you recover when you’re feeling unwell. Try to make time for regular connection with others, whether it be in person or online. And remember, you don’t have to be “perfect” or “have it all together” to connect with others. 5. Learn how to manage stress Everyone goes through periods of stress, but you don’t have to let it control your life. We can’t control the external circumstances that create stress and discomfort, but we can control the way we respond to stress and how often we prioritize regulating our nervous systems. There are a variety of ways to manage stress, from finding time for regular relaxation, to setting realistic goals and managing your time, to connecting with others and sharing your burden. Finding the right ways to manage your stress will depend on your personality and what works best for you. And remember, it may take some trial and error to find what works. 6. Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep is an important part of good mental health, yet it’s something we often overlook. Sleep is important for a variety of reasons, including boosting your mood and managing stress. It’s recommended that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night, but with all the things vying for our time and attention, it can be easy to put sleep on the back burner. Unfortunately, this can lead to feeling overwhelmed, moody, and even depressed. Remember, it’s not just the quantity of sleep that matters, but the quality as well. Tips for getting a better night’s rest include limiting screen time

4. for at least two hours before bed, limiting nighttime snacking, reducing light and noise, and practicing deep breathing or stretching before hitting the hay. 7. Practice mindfulness and meditation If you’re feeling stressed or anxious and need to calm yourself quickly, mindfulness and meditation can be helpful tools. If you’ve never tried meditation before, you might be worried that you’re not doing it “right,” but there is no right or wrong way to meditate. There are different types of meditation, and you might want to try a few different styles before finding one that feels right for you. There are also plenty of apps, websites, and books that can help guide you through different types of meditation. When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, meditation is a great way to take a step back and let go of those feelings. You can even set a timer on your phone to help you stay on track. What works best for you will depend on your personality, your needs, and your goals when it comes to meditation. Source: https://airmymd.com/2023/01/27/7-simple- practices-to-improve-your-mental-health-and-wellbeing/