#1 Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice, often praised for its benefits over the body and the mind. Practiced on a regular basis, it can help you relax and achieve an unparalleled state of mindfulness. Yoga allows you to calm down; as you concentrate on your breathing, you move away from the fight-or-flight response and achieve the much-desired state of relaxation. It helps you improve your self confidence, allows you to become more centered and even acknowledge the areas where a lot of tension is held. Use yoga to boost your mental health and you will only have benefits to gain.
#2 Change your diet
The food that we eat has a clear impact on our body, including when it comes to mental health. For this reason, you need to change your diet, so as to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. These are rich in nutrients, as well as vitamins and minerals, helping you maintain an excellent state of health on different levels. You should also consume more nuts and seeds, as these can help you maintain the best cognitive function (you won’t have to ask yourself anymore how to improve memory). Fatty fish is also recommended, due to its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, while sugar should be reduced, if not excluded, from the diet.
#3 Physical exercise
Physical exercise is one of the best ways to fight against any mental health problems, especially when it comes to conditions, such as anxiety and depression. You do not even have to engage in difficult physical exercise; it is enough to take a walk or even work in the garden. What matters is that you maintain a constant level of physical activity, one which will stimulate the release of happiness hormones at the level of the brain (serotonin, dopamine). Physical exercise will also help you keep your weight under control and maintain the health of the heart as well.
#4 Sleep – quality & duration
You need to develop excellent sleep hygiene, as this will help you maintain your mental health in top shape. First of all, it is recommended to sleep for at least 7-8 hours per night. Second, avoid looking into bright screens, eating heavy meals or drinking caffeinated
beverages before going to bed (this will decrease the production of melatonin and keep you wide awake). Instead, practice relaxation techniques, read a few lines from your favorite book or drink a glass of warm milk. Educate yourself to go to bed and wake up at approximately the same hours so that you maintain adequate sleep hygiene. Avoid sleep deprivation, as this can do quite a lot of damage to the brain, increasing the risk for mental health problems.
#5 Stress reduction techniques
Depression is one of the most often encountered mental health problems out there, being aggravated by stress. Among the symptoms of depression, there is lack of interest in daily activities, concentration difficulties and lack of appetite. Stress reduction techniques can help one deal with the symptoms of depression in an efficient manner, especially since they will improve the overall perspective on life. Meditation is particularly recommended, as it leads to mindfulness and stress reduction; it can be tried not only by those who suffer from depression but also by those diagnosed with anxiety or bipolar disorders.
#6 Reduce alcohol intake
Alcohol might give you a state of euphoria, helping you forget about any problems in your life. However, this is only temporary and, in the long run, it does more harm than good. So, you see, if you want to maintain an excellent state of mental health, you need to reduce alcohol intake. Do not expect alcohol to solve your problems and, instead, be pro-active. Seek out to solve your problems on your own, without any additional help. You will feel better for having taken this decision, that is guaranteed.
#7 Travel
Staying for too long in one single place can have a negative influence on your mental health. Instead, when you travel, you get to meet new people, discovering unique cultures and locations that are simply beautiful. You open up as well, feeling happy to share your own culture and background. Traveling is one of easiest methods to boost your mental health, helping you get over common problems, such as anxiety or depression. Moreover, it takes you to new places, ensuring an extraordinary experience.
#8 Keep your brain active
Too much technology can have a negative effect on our mental health, as many studies have confirmed. So, instead of checking social media more often than it is necessary, find other ways to keep your brain active. Read a good back, do a puzzle or play different brain games. It is important to stimulate your brain from different directions so that you maintain mental health at top levels. You can also consider taking natural supplements, such as Geniux, in order to improve the overall cognitive functioning and keep mental problems at a safe distance.
In conclusion, there are some lifestyle changes which you can make, in order to boost your mental health and enjoy the best quality of life. As you have seen for yourself, many of these changes are not difficult to make, but they can make a genuine difference in your life. Do not hesitate to start making these changes today and, soon; you will notice how they have helped you!
Sophie Addison is a popular blogger and skincare expert. She is very passionate about writing on skincare and beauty. She has posted articles on tips for fine lines and wrinkles, joint pain treatment, weight loss and fitness news. When she's not writing, you can find her gardening and listening music. Find out more about Sophie through her Facebook and Pinterest.