We all know how important it is to be physically fit, eat a healthy diet, and take care of our bodies. But that’s just one part of being healthy. Your mental health is just as important. Being in a slump, feeling stressed out, and experiencing anxiety are common. At some point, most people experience those feelings. Having a bad day here or there is to be expected, but having poor mental health can be detrimental to your mind and your body. Ready to improve your overall well-being? Here are nine habits to achieve better mental health.

There have been many studies conducted on mental health conditions and doctors now recommend products like weed and CBD in limited amounts to treat depression and anxiety so to buy such products head over to Cannawholesalers but don’t take anything before consulting your doctor and it can be possible that you prefer natural ways to treat an issue. We all know how important it is to be physically fit, eat a healthy diet, and take care of our bodies. But that’s just one part of being healthy. Your mental health is just as important. Being in a slump, feeling stressed out, and experiencing anxiety are common. At some point, most people experience those feelings. Having a bad day here or there is to be expected, but having poor mental health can be detrimental to your mind and your body. Ready to improve your overall well-being? Here are nine habits to achieve better mental health.

Sleep Well

Sleep is crucial. In fact, it might be the most important thing you do in a day.

That’s because sleep is the time when your body repairs and heals your heart and blood vessels. Without a healthy heart and proper blood flow, you put yourself at risk for things like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Sleep is essential for physical health, but it is also key to good mental health. Without the proper amount of sleep, you’re more prone to experience anxiety and depression.

Keep a Journal

The simple act of writing down your thoughts can be incredibly therapeutic.

Writing is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings, especially when you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Writing in a private journal is also a safe way to open up about your fears and concerns.

Plus, by looking back on what you’ve written, you can learn how to control your emotions and express them in healthier, more positive ways.

Meditate

A few deep breaths is sometimes all it takes to alleviate stress and relax the mind.

There are a variety of different meditation techniques that you can try, such as yoga or transcendental meditation. The more you learn to master those techniques, the more tools you’ll have in your bag of tricks when you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed.

Meditation is something you can do anywhere, and it only requires a few minutes of concentration. Once you learn how to do it, you can use it as a stress reliever at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

Spend Time Outside

Spending time in nature can actually improve your mental health, and there are two main reasons why:

Plants and sunlight. 

Plants release oxygen and take in carbon dioxide. And that increased oxygen is an instant mood booster! Plants are soothing, calming, and beneficial to your brain. All of these are important elements in maintaining good mental health.

Sunlight, on the other hand, increases the brain’s levels of serotonin, which is key to having a positive outlook on life. Not only does sunlight boost your mood, but it also makes you feel calm and relaxed.

Exercise

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins in the brain, and those endorphins create a feeling of euphoria.

The next time you’re feeling stressed out, resist the urge to curl up with a blanket on the couch. Instead, do ten or twenty minutes of exercise to get those endorphins flowing through the brain.

If you want your exercise routine to pack an even more effective punch, exercise outside on a sunny day. You’ll get endorphins and the serotonin, the perfect combination of natural drugs to make you feel better inside and out!

Eat a Healthy Diet

We’ve all heard the expression “you are what you eat.” And that’s because it’s true. What you put into your body affects every organ, including your brain.

A healthy, balanced diet will improve your physical body (which, in itself, may improve your mental health). But it can also improve your brain function.  

Fatty fish, nuts, eggs, and dark chocolate are just a few of the yummy foods that can boost your brain!

Find Ways to Laugh

It’s not just a saying; laughter really is the best medicine. Much like how sunlight boosts serotonin and exercise releases endorphins in the brain, laughing increases dopamine levels, which is another important neurotransmitter that functions solely in the brain.

Dopamine is the pleasure chemical, and when you laugh, the dopamine flows. So, watching silly cat videos on YouTube isn’t a total waste of time — it can actually make you feel better!

Unplug

For many of us, social media is a big stressor on the brain and body. Sometimes, avoiding it may be all you need to feel happier and more confident in yourself.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to avoid your emails, texts, or social feeds completely. Yet, putting them on the backburner at night can make a big difference in your mental health.

Why? Because unplugging from your devices limits your exposure to blue light. The less blue light you take in before bed, the better you’ll sleep.

Talk to a Therapist

When in doubt, rely on a professional. If the practices we’ve listed above don’t improve your mental health, it may be time to speak to a physician.

A professional psychologist will be able to assess your mood and your behavior. And, depending on their assessment, you may need to start taking a medication to help control and/or boost your mood or brain function.

Seeking professional help is nothing to be scared or ashamed of. Sometimes, simply talking out your issues is all you need to feel better.

Conclusion

There are lots of easy things that you can do to improve your mental health:

  • Improve your sleep habits
  • Keep a journal
  • Learn to meditate
  • Spend more time outside
  • Get more exercise
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Laugh more
  • Unplug from your devices and social media
  • Consult a physician

If you’re looking to improve your mental health and become a happier person, start with one or two items on this list. A few simple tweaks to your daily habits can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Author Bio:

Caitlin Sinclair is the property manager at The Charlie, a luxury apartment community in Santa Ana, CA.