Did you know that about 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness each year? That’s nearly 53 million people. If you feel that your mental health is suffering, you are not alone.
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer and you don’t have to go through it alone. From therapy to exercise to medication, there are many ways to improve your mental health. Many of them are things you can start doing right away.
If you want to learn more about how to improve your mental health, read on for some simple suggestions.
1. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your physical health and your mental health go hand-in-hand. If you aren’t physically well, it’s hard to have your mental health in order. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol consumption can help improve your physical health as well as your mental health.
Getting enough sleep is another way to improve both your mental and physical health. Poor sleep habits are related to many different health conditions, including mood changes, a weakened immune system, low libido, irritability, and weight gain.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques help you put your body produce its natural relaxation response. When you slow down and relax, your breathing regulates, your blood pressure decreases, and the tension and stress you are holding in your body subsides.
To do this, you can practice meditation, yoga nidra, breathing exercises, guided imagery, or even self-hypnosis. You can download apps onto your smartphone, watch videos online, or read about how to perform these relaxation techniques. They don’t require a ton of time either; you can spend 10-20 minutes engaged in these relaxation techniques and do yourself a world of good.
3. Connect With Others
One of the things mental illness often does is cause you to retreat. Many people who are depressed or anxious don’t want to be around others. This often makes your mental health worse.
Instead, you should try to connect with others, especially those who understand what you are going through. The support you can get from friends and family can help you to improve your health.
4. Ask for Help
Sometimes, it’s necessary to consult with professionals to help you address your mental health concerns. Seek out a therapist or mental health professional either in-person or online. Many offer telehealth services and there are even apps that you can download to connect with mental health providers.
5. Practicing Gratitude
It might seem a bit cheesy to encourage you to practice gratitude, but there are various activities such as gratitude journals or daily exercises that can help you recognize the good things in your life. Simple things, when considered together, can help you see how many things are going well in your life.
Improve Your Mental Health Today
If your mental health is suffering, it doesn’t have to. While it might seem impossible, there are ways to improve your mental health. Many of them are simple, cost nothing, and can be started today. Don’t spend another day feeling terrible; incorporate some of these suggestions in your routine today.
If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out some of our other health and wellness articles.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.