Millions of people suffer from mental health diseases each year. From anxiety, depression, phobias, personality disorders, PTSD, and anger – it can be a lifelong illness interfering with how you think, feel, mood, and your behavior. Mental health is not caused by one particular issue or event, there are many factors that can contribute to mental health such as genes, life experiences, family history, and feelings of isolation. If you suffer from mental health, know there are certain steps you can take to help improve your mental health.
Surround Yourself with Good People!
Have you ever been around that negative Nancy? If so, it can certainly bring you down mentally. If you are surrounded by negative people, we all tend to be negative. Create strong connections with uplifting good people to create a good support network. You can do this by scheduling activities such as barbecues, outings to the lake or beach, out for a shopping trip to create a good social network of positive friends and family. There are many clubs and support groups out there to help individuals make friends and provide support for mental health.
Start Your Day with Coffee!
Coffee has been known to lower rates of depression. It blocks neurotransmitters, adenosine receptors increasing the brain to be more excited. With more energy, you can be more productive such as cleaning the house, doing a craft, going grocery shopping, or even sitting down and paying the bills. If you are not able to drink coffee, green tea acts as a great alternative.
Take Care of Your Body!
With mental health, it can be hard to take care of your body. Sitting on the couch all day, sitting at the computer, smoking, and eating junk food is not healthy for your mental wellness. Get up off the couch and go for a walk, go on a nature walk with a friend or family member, drink plenty of water, avoid smoking and eat a nutritious meal with plenty of fruits and veggies to help keep your brain functioning properly. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist who owns her own practice in Santa Monica and a Professor at California State University, stresses the importance of proper nutrition and mental health.
Cool the Room You Seep In!
If you’re up all night tossing and turning, you are bound to be miserable the next day. Take a look at your thermostat and if it is above 67 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be too hot in your room. Sleeping in a cold room can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep the entire night. If you ever tried sleeping in a hot room, you know it’s hard to fall asleep and you’re probably watching the clock tick by throughout the night. The cold room will assist with preventing insomnia, as your body starts to cool down, you can fall asleep faster. Since you are sleeping in a cool room, you have the ability to stay asleep longer which will enhance your mood. If you have a hot room and need to cool it down, turn down the thermostat. Another option is to add a fan in the room which can help cool the room down faster and provide background noise helping you fall asleep.
Learn to Deal With Stress!
It can be hard dealing with stress whether it is a large bill you are not able to pay for, health issues, a loved one is sick or you just lost your job, these are all parts of life you need to learn how to deal with. Although stressful at that particular moment, life gets better. Taking a step back, breathing, doing yoga, Tai Chi, or going on a nature walk to clear your mind can help reduce stress. Although it is necessary to take action on daily stressors, one step at a time is the key. Laughing can help improve mental health and finding something or someone that makes you laugh to boost your mental health and immune system can make all the difference. Watching a funny movie, going out with friends, or even getting an emotional support animal can help with reducing stress. Speaking with a psychologist can help alleviate stress and help you learn how to cope.
Experiencing mental health illnesses can be scary and frustrating. There are however these steps to help increase your well-being and help you learn to deal with everyday stressors. Setting realistic goals and getting the help you need when you need it is important to help you recover and improve your mental health.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
