5 Best Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

How can you take care of yourself when you’re told to stay in your home, cancel everything and practice social distancing because there’s a virus spreading out of control?

A couple of years has passed since the first virus scare and I still feel scared up to this point.

It’s the unknown that’s scary.

How long is this gonna last?

Will we be okay?

What about finances?

These are scary times! All the uncertainty is wreaking havoc on my mental health.

Now it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself mentally and physically!

I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one. Anxiety is at an all-time high these days as fear of the coronavirus has taken over the world.

If you’ve been following me for quite some time now, you know that I’ve had a hard time dealing with all the changes of routine since the lockdown. And if you’re reading this, chances are you are too! 

So, I’m starting to take my mental health more seriously during this time, and you should too.

Here are some best ways to improve your mental well-being to lead a happy, healthy and positive life.

1. Be Your #1 Priority

Allocating time for yourself to unwind and relax is vital for your well-being. I know it’s not easy, but it’s completely worth it. It is the key to your happiness.

I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one who feels that they need to constantly be productive, doing chores, work, or any other activity. To be honest, I’ve never prioritized myself before. 

Working for long periods without taking a break to relax leads me to fatigue and burnout. So, take some time during the day (or evening) to do the things you want to do. This may be going for a walk, baking a cake, or watching your favorite show on Netflix.

Do something for yourself that makes you happy every day. Make it a part of your morning or evening routine. This will help you feel relaxed and refreshed.

2. Do A Regular Detox

It’s so easy to get lost and be addicted to our phones. Social media is undoubtedly one of the best ways for people to connect and stay updated.

But, studies have shown that an increased amount of time spent on phones and especially on Social Media is linked with increased anxiety, lower self-esteem, and feelings of unworthiness.

Scheduling a day in the week or just an hour or two throughout the day to be offline can be truly beneficial to your mental health as it will help you stay and live in the moment and not in a digital world.

Turn off notifications

Switch off your phone before going to bed.

Go social media-free every weekend.

Avoid checking social media first thing in the morning.

3. Practice Gratitude

These times we’re living in has shown that we should not take anything for granted in this life.

Pause and savor each moment. Don’t take it for granted.

Enjoy the simple pleasures in life. It could just be the sound of rain, the first sip of coffee in the morning, a delicious meal, or a good book. Happiness can be found in the little things.

Being grateful for the simple things in life can produce positive emotions and reduce anxiety and depression.

No matter what is going on outside of us, there’s always something we could be grateful for.

4. Have A Regular Sleeping Schedule

Have you noticed that whenever you lack sleep, you are moody, emotional, and quick-tempered? 

Lack of sleep or poor quality of it affects your mental health by having a bad mood and leads to anxiety and depression, which may escalate. 

5. Take Care Of Your Body

There’s so much truth in the old saying that a healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. 

Poor physical health may lead to the development of a host of mental health issues.

Exercise or do any physical activity of your choice. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (the happy hormones), making us feel good out of the blue.

So, make it a habit to exercise at least 2 times a week to fully get the mental health benefits of it.

Which of these tips did you find most helpful?