This post covers nine habits for improved mental health. We all get those days where it feel like we’re struggling to cope and needs a mental lift. The following tips are not aimed at replacing any mental health medications or treatments that you’re already have in place or might need. However, they can help you to overcome challenging days.
9 Habits For Improved Mental Health
Get Rid of Clutter
The thing about clutter is that it has no purpose – it just sits there, making the place looks untidy. Research suggests that visual chaos can increase your cortisol (stress) hormone, especially in women. To avoid clutter from taking over your home and life – make a habit of going through your stuff every six months and decide what to keep and what to donate or sell.
Adopt a Pet
Adopting a furry friend goes both ways – you’re giving a lonely dog or cat a home and you’ll be rewarded with a life-long loyal companion that will give you unconditional love. Many college campuses have adopted “pet-to-destress” initiatives. One specific study revealed that students who petted animals and spend about ten minutes with them, had lower cortisol levels. If you don’t want to adopt, you can also volunteer at local shelters.
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Explore Nature
Ecotherapy involves studies on the effect of quality time spent in nature can have on depression, stress, and anxiety levels. Taking a walk in nature can go a long way in chasing away negative thoughts and boosting your mood.
Read a Good Book
One of the best ways to get rid of the blues, is still reading a good book that takes your mind off daily stressors. Studies showed a link between reading and improved depression symptoms, brain function, as well as mental flexibility.
Acupressure
The Chinese has been practising this ancient healing art that involves applying pressure to specific spots on the body for tension relief. It can lower anxiety and enhance blood flow. A simple yin tang exercise you can try is placing your forefinger or thumb between your eyebrows and start pressing in small circles for around 5-10 minutes. You can do this a few times during the day.
Do Something Productive
This doesn’t mean slouching on the couch in front of the television. Finding your flow or doing something productive means doing something that fulfils you, and that is a tad challenging. For instance, trying a new recipe, dancing, cleaning, or rearranging the furniture can distract your mind from negative thoughts and energy.
Spoil Yourself With Something Nice
Buying a little something nice for yourself can perk you up quickly. It doesn’t have to be an expensive spur-of-the moment shopping spree that leaves you broke and feeling worse. Maybe buy yourself a good book or a box of chocolates, or go out for a meal with a friend – whatever fits within your budget and helps you get rid of the blues.
Invest in The Right Foods
A healthy eating plan can go a long way in banishing that down-and-out feelings. A specific study involving young adults eating a diet of veggies, fruits and lean meats showed a decrease in depression. The Mediterranean eating plan with olive oil and grain staples is recommended for older adults to ease depression.
Build a Healthy Support System
When you’re having those off days, it helps to have family or close friends to talk to. It goes both ways – you can also offer support and help when they need it. Just by helping others can immediately uplift your mood and give you an instant pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading these 9 habits for improved mental health and will give some of them a try to see if they help to boost your mood and chase away depressing thoughts.
Sending you much love, light, and mood-enhancing vibes!
Anthea