5 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health
We’re often quick to ignore our mental health because we don’t want to talk about it, or we don’t think it’s as essential to worry about. Taking good care of yourself doesn’t start and end with your physical health — your mental well-being is just as important! They need to be cared for in the same way, so in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we have compiled a list of five ways to boost your mental health this May.
1. Get Enough Sleep
One of the keys to helping your mental health is getting a good night’s sleep. By getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, you’re helping boost your mood and concentration levels. You’ll have more energy, greatly influencing your daily mood.
2. Exercise Often
Did you know that exercise has been shown to improve your mood, relieve stress, and reduce the risk of anxiety symptoms and disorders? Try exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes. By staying active, you’re helping increase endorphins, dopamine, and more brain chemicals associated with feelings of happiness and confidence.
3. Limit Your Screen Time
Technology has become pervasive in our lives and often makes us feel more isolated than connected. Make sure you take some time off from social media and your screens to reconnect with people, and yourself, face-to-face. Social media can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety or depression if you spend too much time on it.
4. Get Outside Often
With the nicer weather here, you should take some time to enjoy the outdoors after many months of a cold winter. Being outside helps increase happiness and creativity while decreasing stress and blood pressure. Enjoying nature helps us improve our memory and focus — putting it simply: humans are often just happier outdoors!
5. Be Mindful of Yourself
No one knows you better than you. Mental health is a topic that can be difficult to understand, but there are many ways to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings and how best to conquer them. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family members that make you happy, meditating, reading self-help books, or visiting a therapist, know that you are not alone. Be kind to yourself!