5 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health Daily
Taking care of your mental health should be a priority daily. In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, we’ve gathered some attainable forms of self-care you can do every day to take care of YOU.
Find Something Else Besides Falling Asleep to the TV
It is common to doze off while binge-watching that one series that never seems to get old, but often it can leave us feeling groggy and set back when we wake up. Try finding something else that can put your mind at ease, and reduce exposure to blue light before going to sleep. Reading, journaling, calling a friend, prepping tomorrow’s lunch, working on a puzzle, whatever makes you feel content and relaxed before bed.
Bring Vacation to Your Daily Life
Sure, you can’t always have beautiful beach scenes, but consider what it is on vacation that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Was it the slow morning where you got to sit and sip your coffee? Or did you swim and walk and bike? That automated out-of-office reply? Try implementing these by building a morning routine that allows you time to ease into your day, rather than rush out the door. Find local hiking and biking trails, pools, or lakes, where you can switch up your activity and get outside. Another idea is to set “Do Not Disturb” between 9 pm and 7 am.
Get Moving and Make It Fun
You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again - exercise and being active can play a major role in positive mental health. If you are having a hard time getting motivated, make it enjoyable by finding an instructor or genre you love. You can also switch it up and add in walking, biking, or even dancing around the kitchen.A Happy Gut Helps Keep A Happy Mind
Nourish your body with fulfilling meals and snacks. Getting enough micro and macronutrients can support your body’s function, which has a connection to your mind! According to a study by the Harvard Medical School, “A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person's stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. Because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected.” Get inspired with some healthy recipes here!
Meditate For 5 Minutes. Literally.
Please, don’t roll your eyes! Just try it. Throw your phone in another room, find a spot you can get comfortable, and meditate. If you’re not sure how to start, there are plenty of guided meditations you can follow. It doesn’t have to be long, especially to start, but taking even 5 minutes to clear your mind from the racing thoughts and to-do's, and focusing on your breathing can make a huge impact.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder and needs help, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website for valuable resources to find help and support, or call the toll-free helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
