It may surprise no one how interconnected our mental state is to our physical bodies. Optimal health is more than our physical wellness; there is a key and very critical mental component to the entire thing. The quality of your mental health can bleed into your physical health and vice versa; that’s why it’s important to take care of both. In this blog, we will discuss some simple yet practical things you can do every day to improve and manage your mental health.
It is typically easier to track your physical health as we have an array of physical and tangible indicators that can provide us with some clues as to where we are at or if something is wrong. However, the way you handle your thoughts is typically harder to observe and track.
It is beneficial to create simple routines that fit into your daily activities in order to stay organized. Consequently, wise decisions become more automatic. Here are a few simple things you can do to set you on the right path toward cognizance and better mental health.
1. Slow down.
Stop and breathe. In this world, perhaps now more than ever, it can seem like life has the accelerator pressed down constantly, and we never can find the time to pause and regroup before another thing is hurled our way. But it is in those times when we need to take a break and pause the most.
Multitasking makes you more stressed out and may even harm your brain. Take a deep breath if you feel yourself hurrying around. Establish your priorities and drop pointless commitments.
2. Shift your focus.
Sometimes all it takes to realign yourself is a good mental shift.
If you focus on setbacks and ignore the good things that happen every day, this could be a sign that you need to shift your focus to something more positive. Keeping a gratitude diary to serve as a constant reminder of your blessings can do wonders if you’re trying to orient your mind from negative thoughts to positive ones.
3. Enjoy some music.
Music has the incredible ability to drastically alter our mood, sometimes instantly. Whether it’s to stir our hearts for battle or to lift our spirits during moments of great strife, music has played a crucial part in our history, and those powers still influence us even now.
Your mood and energy can be improved by listening to your favorite music. Create playlists for both working out and doing tasks around the house.
4. Go outdoors
Sunlight can have some incredible benefits for boosting your mind and health. Even just 15 minutes in the sun can give the body all the vitamin D it needs for the day. Vitamin D can be tremendous for our neurological, cardiovascular, and immune health. Sit in the sunlight. Bring your laptop outside on the terrace if you are doing work from home. On the weekends, go camping or pack a picnic at the beach.
5. Reduce media intake
Unsettling news might make you feel depressed, and social media’s comparisons to others can make you feel like you’re missing out. Give your mind a break and set screen time restrictions if you feel overwhelmed or alter what you’re exposing yourself to. Inspirational content is a great way to boost your mood and inspire action if you are struggling.
6. Learn something new
Get your brain going. Take online courses and read books. Discuss your careers and passions with others. Taking the time to connect with others and exercising your mind can be tremendously beneficial for your mental health and keep your mind young!
7. Stay active
Both your body and mind gain incredible benefits from physical activity. When you exercise, special chemicals are released that make you feel good. Additionally, exercise is crucial for maintaining your body and keeping it healthy. If you’re stressed out, you may find reprieve in going for a jog.
8. Take time to rest and relax
Your mood and cognitive abilities can be affected by a lack of sleep and ongoing stress.
Try to get eight hours of sleep every night, and rest up throughout the day. Spend some time alone reflecting or engaging in relaxing activities to boost your mood.
9. Show yourself some love
Are you your own worst enemy? Sometimes we can be overly critical of ourselves. If you find yourself thinking mostly negative thoughts about yourself, you may need to recenter your mindset, and part of that is self-kindness.
Love and embrace who you are as a person.
If you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. Here at BSO Honey, we care deeply about your health and wellness. If you want to learn more about how BSO Honey can help you better mentally, check out a couple of our previous blogs.
Boosting your Mood with BSO Honey
Simple Ways to Improve your Sleep Quality Naturally