We know the importance of keeping our bodies healthy and have devoted great attention to our physical fitness but what about our mental fitness?
Unfortunately, many of us don’t take mental health seriously because mental illness is not as concrete as physical illness. We see mental health as only meaning not having a mental illness. But it’s more than that. If we experience mental health problems, our thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. It could also change the way we feel ourselves, the quality of our relationships, and our abilities to deal with everyday life’s demands.
Here, I would like to share with you a few self-care tips for keeping good mental health:
Exercise
Exercise is not only good for our bodies but also good for our mental health. Regular exercise reduces anxiety, and depression, and is a mood booster.
Eat Healthily
A healthy, well-balanced diet can keep our mood and energy levels steady. It can also improve our concentration and attention.
Spending Time Outdoor
Spending time in nature has been found to have a positive impact on our mental health. Stress is released when exposed to nature. Being outside also clears our minds and improves creative thinking.
Find a Hobby
Finding time for our interests and pleasures such as hobbies is a great way to unwind from our daily routine and is a great way to spend our spare time. Hobbies make us feel happier and relaxed which is important to our mental health.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep and mental health are closely related. Sleep deprivation affects our psychological state and mental health. And those with mental health problems are more likely to have insomnia or other sleep disorders. We must get sufficient sleep like 6 -8 hours per night to help to boost our mental health.
Positive Self-Talk
Research shows that positive self-talk reduces any symptoms of depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. So, shifting our inner dialogue from negative to positive can boost our mental health and overall outlook on life.
Learn to Say No
Boundaries are crucial to our mental well-being. Things can quickly get spiral down if we are used to saying “yes”. When we agree to everything out of fear of letting others down, we end up extending ourselves and not having enough time for our own needs. Remember frequently saying “yes’ causes more anxiety, stress, anger, and fear.
Final Thoughts
I would like to emphasize again that just as physical fitness helps our bodies to stay strong, mental fitness helps us to achieve and sustain a state of good mental health. Everyone should practice good mental health. It helps protect you from mental illness, and it can help you get the most out of life.