Anyone can experience emotional or mental health problems. Unfortunately, many do. This year alone, approximately one fifth of American adults will experience a diagnosable mental illness. Despite its prevalence, few attempt to alter their circumstances.
We often ignore our gut feelings that something is amiss, opting to distract ourselves with alcohol or drugs instead. In an effort to keep everyone else away, we may try to keep our problems hidden, hoping that eventually things will improve on their own. Or worse yet, we could give up and say “this is just the way we are” instead.
These suggestions can help you maintain or restore balance in your life.
Be kind to yourself and treat people’s mental health with respect. Make time for enjoyable activities or broadening perspectives – like solving crosswords daily! Or try planting an herb garden!
Surround yourself with positive people to foster growth and success.
Strong family or social connections lead to healthier individuals than those without them. Take time out of your schedule to connect with family and friends, as well as explore ways to make new ones through classes, clubs, or support groups.
Make sure to take great care of yourself.
Don’t be shy to donate your time and energy to those in need. It’s an effective way to show you care, make new friends, and improve the world around you.
Quiet Your Mind:
Meditation, mindfulness and prayer are effective alternatives for clearing your mind. Studies have demonstrated that these exercises can improve moods and focus. Meditation also has been known to induce relaxation which in turn enhances therapeutic effectiveness.
Setting achievable objectives is of the utmost importance.
Write down your professional, academic and personal objectives. Be realistic but not too ambitious – when you reach these milestones, it will give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
Stop the Boredom
Routines can help us be more productive and enhance our sense of security and safety; however, an occasional change of routine is a great way to add some spice and interest into an otherwise monotonous schedule. You could switch up your running route, plan an excursion on the road, walk in a different park, go to a different restaurant or display new pictures for example. There’s no limit to what can be done here – make the most of every moment!
Mental Health Be wary of drinking alcohol and other intoxicants.
Reduce alcohol consumption and abstain from other substances. Many people turn to alcohol or other medications as a form of self-medication, but these only compound the problem.
Don’t wait – get help when you need it.
It’s an indication of strength and not weakness to reach out for help. Remember, treatment can be effective; those who receive the right kind of care can overcome addiction or mental illness and lead rewarding and satisfying lives.
Enhance your mental energy with nutritious food for the brain.
You may not be aware of the influence your diet has on your mood and thought processes. Eating poorly can lead to sleep disturbances, diminished energy levels and weakened immunity; making the switch to a healthier diet that incorporates sugar and healthy fats will make you look and feel your best.
People respond differently to food items based on their genetic makeup. Therefore, experiment with what foods you add or remove from your diet to see how it impacts how you feel. Start by cutting back on unhealthy fats that could impact your mood or outlook, replacing them with beneficial ones that support brain health.
Foods that may negatively affect mood
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Trans fats and anything made with “partially hydrocarbonated” oil should also be avoided.
- Hormone levels are high and chemical preservatives are present in food products.
- Snacks with sugary ingredients
- Fine carbs such as white rice or flour.
- Fried food should also be limited.
