4 Daily Habits to Boost Mental Health
By Karen Heslop
Sometimes people think that caring for their mental health has to be a series of major changes. On the contrary, just incorporating a few small things into your daily routine can have a significant impact on your mental health. These small changes are typically easy to implement and give a well-needed boost to the day.
Get Some Exercise
Before you groan and throw in the towel, consider that exercise doesn't have to be a routine set in stone. All that matters is that you move for at least 30 minutes. It's even easier to handle when broken up into 10-minute sessions. Whether it's walking, weight training, yoga, or dancing, the most beneficial exercise routine is the one that works for you. According to recent studies, regular exercise helps to reduce depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.
Start Meditating
There's something about learning how to quiet the mind. If you've never tried to meditate, it can be a little difficult at the beginning. People who stick with it, though, will benefit from decreased incidents of anxiety and learn how to manage stress better. To get started, check out the many guided meditation videos or podcasts that are available. These resources are specifically designed to help persons master the essentials of meditation.
Eat the Right Foods
Keeping your brain healthy is a vital part of maintaining good mental health. One way to feed your brain well is to include certain foods in your diet. Experts recommend looking for foods that are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics. Some of the items that should be staples in the refrigerator include salmon, full-fat Greek yogurt, chocolate, whole grain carbohydrates, and berries. By eating these foods regularly, you'll improve how well your brain communicates, boost your mood, and even fight off neurodegenerative diseases.
Keep in Contact
Social interaction has been proven to increase feelings of well-being. Even if you can't meet with your friends or loved ones in person, seeing them on FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom will have a similar effect. There's nothing wrong with checking in using text messages or email but when it comes to a mental health boost, face-to-face contact is the one that makes the difference.
These changes may be small but it's understandable if you can't do them all at once. It's fine to start with one and slowly add others. Going at the right pace increases the likelihood that you'll stick to the new routine. Most importantly, don't give up if you fall behind. Change takes time and persistence.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Memphis, Tenn.