How much have you thought of your mental health today? Sure, you’ve thought about your physical health, because you are easily reminded of it by looking in the mirror, but chances are mental health doesn’t cross your mind very often.
But it should be emphasized, at least if you wish to thoroughly enjoy life for all its worth. If you’re young, and haven’t entered the world of work peer pressure may take its toll on you. But being faced with the task of performing at your peak day after day, is another ballgame altogether. Both can take a toll on your mental health, which is why it’s important to perform key actions that can help solidify your mental health.
Be sure to perform these actions:
Sleep On Schedule
We know, work and school can be tough, making sleep the scapegoat. However, this is one of the worst things you can do, and lack of sleep will only hasten decline of your mental health. If you’ve ever had a poor night of sleep, you know the negative alteration to mood and performance it has; worsening the situation. As much as possible, strive for a minimum 7.5 hours of sleep every night- go to sleep at a time that leaves you enough hours for rest. Nobody likes a grouch in the morning.
Spend Time Outdoors
Ever notice when things get overwhelming how we are drawn to the beauty of being outdoors? Well, as it turns out, Mother Nature knows best, as spending more time outdoors translates to improved mental health. When you feel like you need a break, there’re no better place to take it than outside. Plus, a leisurely walk outdoor can reduce stress, and boost your endorphin levels, key to keeping a level head.
Love And Be Loved
A fairly common trait amongst depression sufferers is the feeling that they are alone in this world. This could stem from many things, but commonly is related to some form of rejection, or not fitting into socially accepted norms.
Maybe you have a sibling who is the clear favorite of your parents, or maybe you just experienced a break up. Get a dog! Dogs are undoubtedly (ok, not starting a dog vs. cat war!) the most loving companion you can ever have. Of course, we’re not advocating that you forego your human companions, but pets are darn good as well!
Laugh Heartily
Someone once equated laughter with exercise, since they are both profoundly good for your mental and biological health. Though there is no doubt that laughter can’t replace exercise (get your lazy butt to the gym!), that’s not to say you can’t enjoy life to the fullest. Laughter, similar to exercise, reduces stress hormone levels and elevates levels of endorphins, those mood elevating neurochemicals that are so crucial to our mental health. So when things look gloomy, just din in and laugh about it.
Exercise And Meditate
No list of actions that promote mental health would be complete without including exercise. After all, exercise is the fix to many things that ail us, including mental disease. Endorphins help optimize your mental health, as well as warding off chronic lifestyle conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. While these diseases can negatively affect the brain itself, they can inadvertently contribute to poor mental health, either from exacerbating stress of negatively affecting brain chemistry.
Conclusion
Do not take your mental health state for granted. Given, many people have never grappled with depression or any other form of mental illness, but a proportion could have been prevented altogether with a little preventative action.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy.This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.