8 Things to Do To Improve Your Mental Health’

“Nothing can disturb your peace of mind unless you allow it to.” 

-Gautam Buddha

The most significant relationship that you will ever have is with yourself. However, we often forget about this in the busyness of personal and professional complexities. 

This results in increased stress, chronic anxiety, and other mental health issues which seem to be an ongoing distress across generations. 

According to a WHO report, in 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder.

However, mental health experts suggest methods like meditation, regular exercise, and practicing self-compassion can help in healing. 

You may have heard about these techniques but consider the list here as a reminder to become aware that your small efforts can make a big difference. 

This article lists 8 things you can do to improve your mental health with simple and effective methods to achieve happiness and success in life. 

If there is anything better to include in your early morning or nighttime routine, it’s mindfulness and meditation. 

Mindfulness is a practice to live in the moment instead of continuously thinking about the past or worrying about the future. 

For example, not using your mobile while eating, chewing slowly to taste the flavor, and being thankful for the daily meal. 

You can apply this method to any task that gives you enough time to breathe and bring awareness to the present. 

Meditation is a practice often guided by a coach through specific relaxing patterns of breathing that help you empty your mind and bring calmness. 

It includes techniques like box breathing, transcendental meditation, mantra chanting, nature-inspired healing, etc. 

When you constantly feel uninterested in completing your chores and everything seems worthless, it’s time to seek professional help. 

Nowadays, there are many helpline numbers available from health organizations and the government that are working together to aid people suffering from mental issues. 

It’s always best to consult a professional with an accredited online psychology degree program and many years of experience in the same field. 

Remember that consultation and expressing your struggles is the first step towards healing and better well-being. 

Every individual’s routine is different and making a list of top priorities is a great idea to start your mental health healing journey. 

Here are some common things that have a direct impact and that you can include in your everyday schedule. 

• 6-8 hours of daily sleep 
• At least 15 minutes of exercise 
• Include protein in one of your meals 
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Take a break or walk in a park to clear your mind. 

Losing connection to self can result in strained relationships with others as well. Trying to fight the inner struggles alone only aggravates the pain. 

Socializing regularly even with a few friends is a small step that can help relieve stress. 

By doing so, you can understand that other people also have issues and how they are coping with them. 

It helps regulate emotions, improves self-esteem, and is a mood-booster. It is the best way to get a fresh perspective and change your attitude to improve your quality of life. 

Just like a gadget needs to be recharged to start functioning again, the human body and brain also need a break in life. 

It is easier said than done because sometimes it is difficult to say NO to responsibilities. However, it also drains emotional and physical energy only resulting in a final breakdown. 

Also, instead of spending hours scrolling through social media mindlessly, set a time to switch off the endless notifications on your smartphone. 

In the meantime, you can indulge in offline activities like playing with your pet, baking, arranging your wardrobe, cleaning your car, etc. 

DO YOU KNOW?
The National Day of Unplugging, celebrated on the first Friday of March, encourages people to disconnect from technology for 24 hours and engage in real-world activities that promote mindfulness, connection, and well-being.

The way your brain functions also impacts your physical energy and vice versa. Movement invigorates the body with increased blood circulation which is also good for heart health. 

It is well-known that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Industries, used to go for walks in a park for problem-solving. 

When you engage in any type of physical activity, it becomes a distraction from your everyday stress. It helps you sleep better and improves cognitive abilities.

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is becoming aware of things overwhelming your life. 

In times like these, it is important to practice self-compassion and acknowledge that your needs are not selfish but equally necessary to address. 

The answer to your healing isn’t procrastinating over past mistakes or worrying about the future. 

Create a new plan, organize things with a fresh perspective, and try to forgive yourself by analyzing what else can be done differently. 

The graph below is from research conducted in 2021 indicating that moderate users of social media practice self-compassion and therefore do not easily become anxious or depressed.

When you don’t have time for your hobbies, that is exactly when your interests can save you from chronic mental issues. 

Even if it is traveling once a year, learning to paint or pottery, or joining a cycling or a book club, all these activities are creative ways to deal with stress. 

Find out groups or teams on Facebook and start communicating with like-minded people about their hobbies. 

This is a great way to destress, socialize, and cultivate interests outside of your normal routine, improving your quality of life. 

Conclusion

Your mental health is like a guide that directs your physical and emotional well-being. To keep its light shining brightly and live happily, you should take a few small steps toward your overall fitness. 

You can practice yoga or meditation, socialize with different groups, cultivate a hobby, practice self-compassion, and take timely breaks. 

Moreover, seeking consultation from a professional always helps identify the cause of the problems. 

Don’t let the gift of the present time go to waste by worrying about the future. Instead, create a new plan with a fresh perspective for a positive outlook on life.