What exactly is mental health? It is not a disorder, rather it is your state of well being and according to the World Health Organization, that means being a normal productive and healthy person despite the usual challenges in life.
Sounds good. Yet according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a given year.
The impact of this on society makes for sobering reading. The reality is that more and more people are struggling to cope with what we call ‘normal life.’
The smart move now is no longer responding to mental illness but instead proactively preventing it by maintaining good mental health. How so?
Adopting lifestyle changes that may in themselves be quite small but have a big impact on your well being. Read on to learn 5 changes you could make today.
1. Think Positive
You’ve heard that before. Sounds easy but how do you do it in real life? Start by writing a diary and recording the good things you achieve throughout your week.
If you get stuck thinking of something new, write down something you are thankful for. Make sure you review this list regularly.
Cultivate an appreciation for yourself and what you have been given in life. Even if something happens in life that was unexpected, you can still learn to think positive.
2. Sleep Like a Baby
Poor sleep and anxiety problems can spiral out of control negatively impacting each other. Good sleep is the brain’s way of doing its housekeeping.
Adopt a good sleep routine. Go to bed at the roughly the same time but even more importantly make sure you get up at the same time.
Keep the room cool. This promotes good sleep and comfort.
The connection between sleep disorders and mental health problems like Schizophrenia is scary. Making lifestyle changes now will go a long way to maintaining your well being.
3. Fill up Your Tank with the Right Fuel
Yes, you got it, a healthy balanced diet is vital. When our focus is on our physical health and even losing weight we are very food conscious.
Remember though, what you eat doesn’t just go to your stomach. It affects your brain.
Make sure you eat right and thinking right will be easier. Enjoy your coffee as it is linked with lower levels of depression. Consider eating dark chocolate from time to time as some of its ingredients are linked with boosting your brain power.
4. Get Moving
Exercise has a multitude of benefits for your overall health. However, it is also linked to good mental health. This can be vigorous and for a short period or it can be at a slower pace and in peaceful surroundings, such as a walk in the park.
In fact, combining exercise with the benefits of nature is a smart move. This will reduce the stress hormones in your body and promote the release of happy hormones.
5. Get Connected with Real People
Put away your mobile device and spend quality time with your loved ones. That means your partner, your family, your friends and of course your pets.
Do fun things together. It is also good to become a tourist in your own city. You’ll feel amazed at what is waiting for you to come and see.
Lifestyle Changes – Are You Ready to Get Started?
That is the question you have to ask yourself. A few simple lifestyle changes now will positively impact your physical and mental well being for a long time to come.
Get in touch here with any questions or comments. We want to hear from you.
