Mental well-being doesn’t have only one set meaning of being always happy. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting the way we think, feel, and act in certain conditions. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health and well-being are just as crucial as physical well-being in order to lead a balanced, joyful life, find inner peace and satisfaction, and build meaningful relationships with others. Here’s everything you need to know why mental health is important and how you can boost it with simple daily activities.
What Makes Mental Health So Important?
Your mental health matters quite a lot. Nurturing and caring for your mental health can help you with:
- Better mood
- Reduced anxiety
- Clearer thinking
- Deeper relationships
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
Your mental health can impact everything about your life, from how you see and move through the world to how you cope with everything life throws at you. And that’s why building habits for better mental health can make a significant difference in your day-to-day life.
5 Daily Activities For Improving Your Mental Health
There are lots of things you can do to try to take care of your mental health and well-being. Here are 5 basic things you can do to boost your mood and promote better mental health.
Take A Walk
Sun is a great source of vitamin D and has also been shown to improve attitude and mood. Taking a walk allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, which can change your mood positively while also providing its benefits. So whether it’s a brief stroll around the office for a break from a daunting task or a long walk after work, walking is simply an effective way to calm and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Get Enough Sleep
How well you sleep can significantly impact your overall well-being. And if you’re struggling with your mental health, this can affect your sleep, too. Everyone’s sleep patterns are different, so understanding what works best for you is important. Here are some basic tips you can try:
- Use a bedtime routine to relax the body before going to sleep.
- Avoid caffeinated products late in the day.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing, and clutter-free.
- Keep the temperature in your bedroom around 65°F (18.3°C).
Try Doing Something Creative
If you feel too stressed out, do something creative, like drawing something, clicking a few photos, or maybe baking a cake. Not only will this help distract you from difficult thoughts or feelings, but it will also help you to understand yourself better or express things in a safe way. Plus, being creative can often feel calming and fulfilling.
Hit The Gym
While exercising, your brain releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, that help in regulating and boosting mood. This can also keep anxiety and depression at bay. Plus, working out with a friend or with a group can provide opportunities to connect with others, helping you avoid feeling lonely.
Also, taking a few minutes just to stretch can make a huge difference in your overall mental health. Stretching will help with better blood flow and deliver more oxygen in your body, helping you feel more relaxed and happier.
Eat A Balanced Diet
A poor diet can have a greater impact on stress and poor mental health. Emotional eating and turning to high-fat, sugary foods might provide a temporary feeling of relief but lead to long-term stress. Opting for a balanced diet can keep you healthy and help you combat stress in the long run. Foods like eggs, avocado, and walnuts can help with better mood and balance your energy levels.
Conclusion
Taking care of your mental health is important to living a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life. While many factors that can affect mental health remain beyond our control, building good habits into your daily routine can promote better wellness.
Just know that when it comes to adopting new habits, it’s often better to start with just one or two at a time instead of trying to complete everything. Then, check in with yourself on how those changes helped.
If your mental health starts to get worse, it might be a good idea to consider reaching out to a therapist. There is never any reason to feel ashamed about seeking professional help to improve your mental well-being, especially if you’re dealing with a mental health condition, have gone through a tough time, or have noticed changes in your behavior or health patterns.
Remember, you are a person who deserves to function, find joy in every moment, and enjoy life the best you can.
References
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Edwards, C. and Hegerty, S., 2018. Where it’s cool to be kitty: An art therapy group for young people with mental health issues using origami and mindfulness. Social Work with Groups, 41(1-2), pp.151-164.
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Alnawwar, M. A., Alraddadi, M. I., Algethmi, R. A., Salem, G. A., Salem, M. A., & Alharbi, A. A. (2023). The effect of physical activity on sleep quality and sleep disorder: a systematic review. Cureus, 15(8).
