Every time you adopt a behavior for your mental health, you invest in your overall well-being.
We all take steps towards well-being. However, this often happens when we show signs of decline or when things are at their worst? Why do we need to start investing so late, when we can start investing now?
While the best things for mental health may be different for everyone, you need to find a tool kit that works for you. Remember that with better mental health, you are more likely to work better, become more healthy and extend your life span.
The best things you can do for your mental health
Are you still looking for things that are good for mental health? There is no set deadline for that.
As you journey towards your well-being, there will be obstacles. You may feel discouraged or even stop doing the right things for your emotional health. However, not all trips are the same, especially for your health.
Here are some things you can start incorporating today:
#1 Keep your eating habits right
Your physical and mental health can be friends or enemies i.e. they can work together or not. However, they will always influence each other. While fast food is delicious, at the end of the day it’s a dopamine kick.
Your body and mind need nutritious foods to help you grow and feel better. Start taking small steps to see results. For example, try yourself by cutting out sugar for two to three weeks: Does it have an impact on how you feel?
#2 Engage in some physical activity
Any type of physical activity can boost your health. You can go to the gym, practice yoga, dance in your room or do slow activities, there are plenty to choose from.
If this seems overwhelming, take a five-minute walk today and increase it every day.
#3 Orient yourself towards realistic positivity
While toxic positivity can hinder your well-being, realistic positivity can motivate you to work on yourself and your goals.
We live in an emotionally draining and negative world. Most of us have difficulty engaging in positive self-talk.
#4 Form Connection
Humans are built to co-regulate. Although it’s good to manage things on your own and become independent, sometimes you need a shoulder to lean on.
Try to connect and build deeper relationships. Social isolation has a direct impact on brain health. Our neurons connect with each other, and so should you.
#5 Control your nervous system
Using your nervous energy is an evergreen and powerful tool. There are many ways to control your emotions and nervous system. One of the most important is to engage in vagus nerve exercises.
When you have the right tools to access your nervous system, you increase your agency and take control of your well-being. You become in charge of your well-being.
These are some of the best ways to improve your mental and emotional health slowly and steadily. Remember, there are benefits to all of these, even if you don’t see results right away.
We live in an era where mental health research is constantly expanding, yet we forget to take care of it. Many people still believe that mental health is not real. What are your thoughts on this? Would you still like to invest in and use these great things for mental health?
Janvi Kapoor is a counselor with a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology with specialization in Clinical Psychology.
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