Modern life is a challenge. From rising costs to global strife, it can be difficult to stay in a cheery, optimistic mood, and that’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in your mental well-being. Indeed, spending time to improve your mental health is as vital as staying in good physical condition.
There’s no magic fix that’ll keep you in sound mental health, but there are a number of things you can do that’ll help to push it in the right direction. And if you do all of those things, then you’ll be giving yourself the best possible chance to be happy. Try the methods we’ve outlined below, and within a month or so you’ll likely have noticed an improvement.
Join A Gym
Studies have repeatedly emphasized how much of an influence working out can have on mental well-being. By spending time in the gym, you’ll be helping your body to produce endorphins — the ‘happy chemical’ — and boosting your energy levels, which can make it easier to do other things that enhance your mental health.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to become a passionate gym-goer. Simply start by going a couple of times a week for a month. If you want to stop once the month is over, then you can. But in all likelihood, you’ll be happy to continue. Losing weight may also boost your confidence, which could help you to feel happier and healthier in yourself. If you have low self-esteem, there are other things you can do to help yourself too, such as getting dental implants, if you feel as though your teeth aren’t quite perfect.
Sleep Well
Sleeping well is paramount for being in a good mental state. And the evidence for that is pretty obvious. Think of the last time you had a poor night’s sleep — in all probability, you were in a bad mood all day. Multiply that by weeks on end, and you’ll find it difficult, or even impossible, to have a sunny disposition. There are a host of things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep. Creating a relaxing bedroom, getting sleep-friendly CBD products from cbdMD, and limiting screen time before you go to bed will all do wonders. If you can consistently get 7 – 9 hours of shuteye each night, you’ll wake up feeling ready to tackle the world.
Avoid Toxins
In some cases, the things we do can drag our mental health down. Drinking alcohol, for instance, may be normalized but it can have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if you already find it difficult to be in a happy mood. It can be challenging to give up alcohol, but as with the gym, it’s best to start by going a single month without it. You’ll likely be so full of energy and positivity that you’re in no rush to have a drink.
Engage In Relaxing Activities
It’s worthwhile looking at how you spend your time, and asking yourself if what you do is beneficial to your mental health or if it has a negative impact. For instance, if you’re spending your evenings scrolling through Instagram, then it’s unlikely that you’ll feel as positive as you can. Studies have shown that social media can have a negative impact on mental well-being, so it’s important to be mindful of how much time you spend on it. Look at replacing ‘bad for you’ hobbies with good ones; you’ll feel much better if you spend an hour doing yoga and meditation, both of which are completely free and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Keep A Gratitude Journal
Some of us become too preoccupied with what we don’t have that we lose sight of what we do have. Keeping a daily gratitude journal is an effective way to remind yourself of all the good things you have in your life. You only need a few minutes to do it, too. Just write down three things for which you’re grateful to have in your life. It can be as simple as food in the fridge, friends, or a job.
Head Outdoors
Looking for an easy, fun way to give your brain a boost? Then go for a walk in the great outdoors. Studies have shown that spending a couple of hours among trees each week can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Plus, it’s good for your physical health, too.
Live in a city? There’ll be some nature within easy driving distance. When you can’t get to nature, pay attention to birdsong when you’re walking around town. Studies have shown that listening to birdsong makes us happier.
Conclusion
By taking the above steps, you’ll be helping your mind to be the best that it can be, and there’s no telling what might follow.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
