Giving yourself a mental boost can enhance your overall wellbeing, increase resilience, and improve your ability to cope with life's challenges. Feeling good mentally is just as important as feeling good physically. When our minds are clear and our thoughts are positive, we can accomplish anything. But sometimes finding the headspace to prioritise our wellbeing can be tough in the first place.
That's why I've put together a list of six simple strategies to improve your wellbeing. These tips are easy to follow and can be incorporated into your everyday routine. So, whether you're looking to feel more positive, productive, or simply happier, read on for some really helpful advice.
Take Time to Relax
When was the last time you took a break to just relax, focus on your breathing and meditate? Chances are, it's been a while. And that's okay – we all get busy. But it's important to make time for yourself, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
That's where meditation comes in. It's a great way to practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. All you need is a few minutes of your time, and you can do it anywhere. Just find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath as you breathe in... and breathe out.
If you're new to meditation, don't worry if you feel a little self conscious as you start. Meditation can be a great tool to self regulate, recover from panic attacks or simply to find day-to-day equilibrium, but it takes time to get the hang of it. So don't give up! With practice, you'll start to notice a big difference in your wellbeing if you make time for relaxation every day, even if it just five or ten minutes.
Exercise to Boost Mood and Reduce Stress
It's no secret that exercise does your body good, but what you may not know is that it also does wonders for your mind. In addition to helping you lose weight and stay in shape, exercise can also improve your mood and help reduce stress.
How does it work? Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. They're the same hormones that are released when you eat chocolate or experience a rush of excitement. And as if that weren't enough, exercise also helps you take a break from the hectic demands of day-to-day life. It gives you a chance to clear your head and just focus on yourself.
So if you're looking for a way to boost your mood and improve your wellbeing, consider taking up a physical activity. It doesn't have to be something strenuous or time-consuming. A simple walk around the block is enough to get started.
Get Quality Sleep for Optimal Mental Health
Sleep is crucial for optimal mental health. When we're tired, our minds are foggy which makes it harder to focus and concentrate. We're also more likely to feel stressed and overwhelmed. This is why it's important to get quality sleep every night.
Here are a few tips to help you get better quality sleep
- Make your bedroom a calm and relaxing space. Dim the lights, use calming aromas, and put on soft music before bedtime.
- Avoid watching TV, scrolling through your mobile phone or working on the computer in bed. These activities can stimulate the mind and make it harder to fall asleep.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as best you can. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps your body and mind get into a rhythm.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. both of these substances can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and may give you a less restful night's sleep.
Connect With Family and Friends
It's important to keep up with your social life, even if your mood is low. Staying connected to friends and family is a key part of maintaining good mental health. Everyday contact, such as conversation with friends and family is beneficial for mental health because it provides emotional support, reduces feelings of loneliness, and fosters a sense of belonging.
There are a number of ways to do this, even if you're not feeling up for going out. You can call or video chat with people, or even just send a text to check in.
Making an effort to stay in touch will help you feel more connected and supported, and may even help you find new friends who understand what you're going through.
Fuel Your Body With Healthy Foods
One of the most effective ways to help your mental wellbeing is to make sure you're fuelling your body with healthy foods. Eating a nutritious diet can help improve your mood, memory, and focus while also reducing stress and anxiety levels.
So what are some of the best foods to eat for mental health? Omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts, leafy greens like spinach and kale, berries like blueberries and strawberries are all positive additions to diet. And drink coffee! Research suggests that moderate coffee consumption of no more than two cups daily can potentially have a positive impact on mental health by improving mood, cognitive function, and reducing the risk of certain mental disorders, although individual responses may vary.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health, and research has shown that they can help improve mood, memory, and cognitive function. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals like folate and magnesium, which have been shown to reduce stress levels. And berries are a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.
Do Something That Brings You Joy
You know what makes you feel good, so do more of it. Make a list of things that make you happy and try to do at least one thing from the list every day. It doesn't matter if it's something small, like reading a chapter of your favourite book or taking a walk in nature. The important thing is that you make time for things that bring you joy.
When it comes to improving your mental wellbeing, start by making some simple changes to your everyday routine. Consider adding in some of these strategies to help give your mental health a boost. Adopting simple everyday habits is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall well-being because they create a foundation of self-care, promote consistency, and have a cumulative positive impact on mental, emotional, and physical health.