Five simple ways to improve your mental health
When it comes to your mental health, it should always be a priority, no matter what’s going on in your life. After all, health is wealth and taking care of yourself on the inside is just as important as taking care of your body on the outside.
However, if you’re finding that your mental health is on a downward spiral, then I’d suggest accessing professional help and services, such as your GP or a therapist.
In the meantime, here are five simple ways to instantly boost your mental health on a day to day basis.
Journal
When I’m feeling low or experiencing intense negative emotions, I write in my journal. It’s a great way to express your true feelings without judgement and it’s an effective technique that helps you to process your emotions. I started journaling last year. I write in my journal from time to time and it’s been really helpful for me, especially since I struggle to process my thoughts and feelings.
Practise gratitude
Practising gratitude is a great way to feel content and it teaches you to appreciate what you have in life. Studies have shown that regularly practising gratitude is good for you, such as increasing your self-esteem, enhancing your sense of empathy and improving your sleep. And while you’re at it, you should get into the habit of telling yourself positive affirmations to help you feel good about yourself.
You could say things that reflect your positive traits, like:
“I am beautiful.”
“I am smart.”
“I am competent.”
“I deserve to be treated with love and respect.”
“I am kind.”
“I am wonderful.”
“I am caring.”
“I am thoughtful.”
I practice gratitude from time to time, but I should really do it more often. I find that when I do this, it helps me to feel more content with the good things in my life.
Exercise
Get up and get moving. Working out helps to release stress and boost your mood, which is when exercise is a good choice if you suffer with stress, anxiety and depression. If (like me) you hate exercise, then try fitness classes or go out for walks. I love walking in nature - it really clears my mind.
Do esteemable things
I’ve always struggled with low self-esteem - which I’ll talk about in another post. But one of the things I learned recently is that if you want to boost your self-esteem, then you need to do esteemable things. That means that you should do things that make you and other people feel good, make you feel fulfilled and enrich your life.
Doing esteemable things includes:
Volunteering.
Reaching out to a friend or family member to check in on them.
Donating to charity.
Giving a compliment to someone you know (or someone you don’t know.)
Making a conscious effort to be warm and friendly to everyone you see.
Reading an inspirational book.
Having a pamper night in.
Doing something creative in solitude.
Distance yourself
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take a step back and take a break from certain things - or people. If something (or someone) is toxic or just not conducive to your wellbeing, then it’s time to walk away. One of my resolutions for this year is to walk away from things that don’t serve me and to step away from other people’s issues, negative energies and toxic dynamics. I find that once I step away, I feel light and liberated, and I am much more able to refocus on myself.
What kind of things do you do to improve your mental health?
*Photography credits: Fee at Makeup Savvy