When it comes to lifestyle health and wellness, we often focus on the physical body. Diets and fitness challenges are rampant across social media platforms, yet when it comes to psychological well being, we might not know where to start.
Building a routine for your mental health is just as important as your workout routine. Strong minds are built, not born. Everyone can benefit from building these types of habits. Here are a few habits that anyone can add to enjoy better mental health:
Eating a Nutritious Brain-Healthy Diet
If you have ever suffered from an unknown food sensitivity/allergy in the past, or have attempted a food-lifestyle change, you know how food can affect your mental state. What you eat has a direct effect on how you think and feel, as well as the quality of your sleep.
Quieting the Mind
The most important way to develop a healthy mental health routine is to find a way to quiet the mind that works for you. Some people like to journal, others like exercise. Meditation is an excellent way to integrate this practice if you don’t have a lot of time. There are a ton of other options available if these don’t appeal to you
Developing a Breathwork Technique
We have two systems in our body that work in opposition: our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Both are necessary for our survival. One is excitatory, the other helps us calm down. Our sympathetic nervous system causes stress hormones to be released into the body, that can help us react quickly in dangerous situations, but are not good for our long term health. To live a more stress-free life, we need to activate our parasympathetic nervous system more often. Good news! This is incredibly easy. Reminding ourselves to take deep breaths throughout the day helps calm our nerves, slow down our heart rates, and increases the immune system. It’s incredibly easy to integrate into daily life.
Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a well-known depressant. It’s linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression among all users, not just heavy drinkers. It also negatively impacts your sleep. Reducing your alcohol consumption will help regulate your emotions and help your body recover (better sleep increases physical and mental recovery).
Source: housingwellness.com
