Your mental health is much more important than you think. It affects the way you treat others, manage your emotions, and deal with life’s difficulties. While ensuring a healthy state of mind sometimes requires professional help, a simple change in lifestyle can make a positive difference in your mental health.
Making these changes may be a bit challenging at first, but know that every small progress will help you get you closer to achieving your goal. Take one step at a time, stay positive, and don’t give up.
Start a Healthy Diet
It has been proven time and time again that the way you eat affects the way you think. The food you consume contains various nutrients that affect the way your body produces hormones, and how they are distributed and integrated into your system.
To start a healthy diet, consume food that is rich in vitamin B, zinc, and iron. These minerals aren’t only great for your physical health, but they can also improve the way your brain functions. A healthy intake of glucose is also recommended to help regulate your mood. Easy-to-find food options such as bread and pasta are great sources of glucose for your brain.
Alternatively, too much sugar intake can increase your risk of depression and worsen any mental conditions you have. Excessive caffeine intake can also trigger anxiety and various sleep problems.
But before you change your diet, it’s best to consult a local GP first. This is to ensure that your diet plan is safe and doesn’t aggravate existing health conditions.
Increase Your Physical Activity
One of the easiest ways to improve your mental health is through regular exercise. Studies suggest that even slow-paced activities like a brisk walk can lessen the risk of various mental health conditions, including depression and schizophrenia.
Also, physical activities can help regulate your weight, which plays a crucial role in your mental wellbeing. Aside from chronic diseases like diabetes, excessive weight gain can deteriorate your mental health.
Take a Social Media Time Off
Studies suggest that too much time on social media can lead to poor mental health. This is because social media often portrays a ‘perfect life’ that makes people feel inferior and insecure. While this isn’t exactly the reality, many people are having a hard time blurring the line between what’s authentic and what’s performance.
Now is the time to take a break from social media and unfollow accounts that no longer inspire you. Social media detox can help you focus on the things that really matter the most — your relationship with yourself and loved ones. But if you’re not yet ready to take a long time off from social media, a few days break is recommended.
Start Journaling
Writing down your thoughts is one of the simplest ways to fight mental distress. While we recommend you talk to someone about your inner problems, starting a journal can help ease the emotional burden you’re currently facing.
You can also create a gratitude journal where you list down all the things you’re grateful for. Whether it’s as simple as getting a discount from your favourite restaurant or achieving greater milestones like a job promotion, you’ll be surprised by how many great things you have achieved over time.
Reach Out
If making these changes isn’t making much of a difference, it’s time to seek professional help. An experienced counsellor/doctor can help you prepare on your road to dealing with emotional and mental distress.
Contact our team today to get appropriate support and assistance. We provide professional counselling for various mental health conditions that may be hindering you from achieving your goals.
