The Ultimate Guide to Nurturing Your Mental Health
The Lowdown
Maintaining your mental health is an essential part of living a happy and fulfilled life. It encompasses the way you feel about yourself, your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings. It’s important to remember that anyone can experience mental health problems, and it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. In Canada, one in five people live with mental health or substance-use problems. The good news is, there are ways you can elevate your mood, become more resilient and enjoy life more. These tips are a great place to start.
Prioritize Social Connection
In this world of digital communication, it’s crucial to make face-to-face connections a priority. A phone call or chat on social media may hold its place, but nothing beats the stress-busting and mood-boosting power of quality time with loved ones and those who positively energize you. Make time for date nights, coffee with friends or any activity that brings you closer to the people that matter.
Stay Active
Staying active isn’t just good for your body, but also for your brain. Regular exercise or activity can significantly impact your mental and emotional health, relieve stress, improve memory and help you enjoy a better night’s sleep. So, make it a point to include physical activity in your daily routine. It can be as simple as going for a brisk walk or doing a few stretches.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes, all you need is to talk to someone who cares. Sharing concerns, stresses or worries can be one of the most effective ways to relieve stress, calm your nervous system and relax. Reach out to a family member, a friend or a therapist. There’s no need to hold everything in.
Appeal to Your Senses
Sensory input can make a significant difference in your emotional state. Everyone responds differently to sensory input, so find out what works best for you. Does listening to a relaxing song calm you down? Does squeezing a stress ball help you feel more centered? Take a walk in nature and appreciate the sights and sounds around you. Experiment until you find what works best for you.
Take up a Relaxation Practice
Relaxation practices like yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing can reduce stress levels. These practices are easy to incorporate into your daily life, even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
Prioritize Leisure and Contemplation
We often tend to forget the benefits of downtime in our fast-paced lives. Leisure time is a necessity for our emotional well-being, so take some time to relax, contemplate, and pay attention to the positive things in your life. Even the small things count. Write them down, so you don’t forget them and reflect on them later to boost your mood.
Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet
The food you eat can affect your mood. Foods such as fatty fish rich in omega-3, nuts, avocados, beans, leafy greens, and fresh fruit can help support your mood.
Don’t Skimp on Sleep
Sleep is essential. It’s the best way to recharge and rejuvenate your body and mind. Breaking away from screen stimulation (such as TV, phones, tablets or computers) a few hours before bedtime can help improve your sleep quality. Try reading a book or listening to relaxing music to help you drift off.
Find Purpose and Meaning
Finding purpose in your day can significantly affect your mental health. What brings you fulfillment may differ from the next person, but finding something that enriches your life and makes you happy matters. You might engage in work that makes you feel useful, invest in relationships, spend quality time with family and friends, volunteer, care for others, or partake in one good deed or gesture every day.
Signing Off
Remember, there’s no magic solution to good mental health. It takes patience and consistency, but the reward is priceless. Be kind to yourself and take the necessary steps needed to nurture your mental health. If you need support, never hesitate to ask. Mental health awareness is about ensuring you have the tools you need to live the best life possible.
