Good physical health translates to strong immunity, faster recovery from injuries, feeling energetic, and good mind-body coordination. Similarly, good mental health leads to confidence, positive energies, adaptability, and resilience. And to get the best of both, healthy lifestyle habits are a prerequisite!
Mental health issues are becoming common, especially now in the post-COVID world. Being stranded at home and practically cut-off from the outside world as we knew it gives rise to these issues. And unfortunately, not all of us can afford the hefty bills or long hours of therapy for recovery.
And that’s why we’ve compiled a list of natural ways to improve your mental health. Whether you are a minimum daily wage earner, teenager, or a struggling adult, there is something for everyone. So, make sure to stay tuned till the end. You never know what might just work for you.
Get Enough Daylight
We all know how easy it is to fall out of routine once you’re home. Especially when you can work in your PJs from your kitchen table. And it is this easiness that has nearly flipped our schedules, sleeping at day and waking up all night.
Although it may seem to be a very comforting routine, in the beginning, you’re missing out on the most important part of the day, the daylight. Getting at least an hour of daylight helps lighten your mood and boost your energies.
According to recent researches, daylight limits the production of Melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone, but in access, it just makes you feel drowsy all day. And if you’re drained of your energy, it is only going to weaken your mental health.
Plan your days where you can spend an hour out in the sun or even sitting by a sunny window when drinking your morning coffee. You will notice a significant decrease in the stress levels of your body. Also, you’ll be at a much lesser risk of depression, anxiety, or burnout.
Talk It Out
It goes without saying how you should always communicate your problems to concerned people. Bottling up your emotions never works for long. And soon, it will explode when you least expect it to.
Talking to a friend, family, or colleague over daily issues will help you unwind regularly. Even though a phone conversation works, there is nothing that can counter a face-to-face conversation’s therapeutic power.
Call out a colleague for lunch or plan family meals together to let it all out. You don’t even have to talk about your problems all the time, sometimes a lively conversation and a good laugh are all we need. And if you and your loved ones are too busy chasing your lives, you can still find a way around it.
Ask a friend to do the groceries together or partner up for the gym. This way, you’ll kill two birds with one stone. Run through your daily chores and have an unwinding talk as well.
Get Enough Sleep
It’s ironic how the thing that affects our physical and mental health the most is what we take for granted. Health experts recommend a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night. Even better if it’s all in one go and not short episodes of naps.
Just like you need a good night’s sleep to recover your strength after a hard day at the gym, your mind needs rest as well. However, not everyone is as in control of their sleep as we would want to be. Certain mental health issues make it harder to fall asleep and hit deep slumber.
For those of you that have trouble falling asleep, trying plain jane CBD can be quite helpful. The CBD cartridges are approved by health authorities and very effective for inducing sleep naturally. Also, they act as effective anti-anxiety and anti-depressants so that you may get the better part of it!
Furthermore, taking out the afternoon naps from your routine will help improve your sleep at night. You’ll feel much charged the next morning and, naturally, better equipped to deal with any stressors that come your way.
Get Moving
Exercise affects your mental health as it does your physical health. And to reap the maximum benefits, you don’t even need to push yourself to the extremes either. Research shows that moderate but frequent physical activity marks the most significant difference.
So, feel free to kick off your routine with any physical activity you’re comfortable with. Whether it is taking a walk, going for a swim, or joining a dancing class, it all counts. Activities that involve rhythmic movement like running are the most effective for your mental and cardiovascular health.
The real reason why exercise improves your mental health is that it uses up the stress hormones in your body. Also, it gives you confidence in your body as you start to like what you see in the mirror every day.
The enhanced feeling of confidence and self-esteem are the pillars of a healthier mind. And it translates into other aspects of your life as well. You’ll be much more confident in undertaking your daily chores and will have a sense of fulfillment once done.
