How to Start Building Habits That Will Improve Mental Health
The state of being psychologically sound is oftentimes overlooked by most of us. In many cases, the symptoms of poor mental health are not noticeable until they have been present for a long time. Good habits for improved emotional well-being can be challenging to establish in the busy world we live in, but there are many practices that have been shown to relieve stress. A great way to break the cycle of unhealthy habits is to create new patterns that will help make you happier every day.
Take a Break From Daily Obligations
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are left feeling anxious. The demands of day-to-day living can be incredibly trying at times. In an effort to get relief from the pressure and improve soundness of mind, many people have started to take a much-needed break from their daily lives.
Vacations can be a great way to disconnect from work and the strains of everyday life. They make for a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. With so many benefits it is no wonder vacations are becoming more popular as a form of relief. Take some time for yourself and book that Alaska cruise you have been dreaming of. Give yourself a break from your daily obligations and come out of your shell.
Utilize Laughter as a Remedy
We have all heard the expression that laughter is the best medicine. Humor is one of the most natural ways to help relieve our burdens. It blocks out negative thoughts and emotions, while actually reducing activity in areas of the brain associated with stress.
Recent studies have shown that laughing is not only good for a sound mind but also for physical well being. It increases our heart rate which helps to reduce cortisol levels. It also helps to strengthen our immune system by increasing the production of natural killer cells that fight viruses in our bodies. It can even be considered a form of exercise because it burns up to 300 calories in 30 minutes.
Eat Healthy Foods
It can be hard to relax and put your mind at ease when you are feeling overwhelmed with work and responsibilities. Symptoms of stress include increased pressure, decreased productivity, and physical symptoms like headaches, chronic headaches, stomachaches, and insomnia. One reason for this is that the brain needs certain nutrients in order to function properly.
A UCLA study tested 83 college students for biochemical markers such as cortisol levels and blood pressure. It found that those who had more nutritious diets experienced more peace than those with less wholesome diets. Eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet and adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your food can reduce tension and anxiety.
Sleep Better at Night
The benefits of a good night’s sleep cannot be overemphasized. We often only think of sleep as a way to get more energy, but it also has multiple other benefits. Sleep deprivation can cause anxiety and even worsen certain conditions like depression and ADHD. In order to combat these negative effects from lack of sleep, it is recommended that one should try sleeping an extra hour or two every day.
It’s no surprise that sleep is a natural and effective way to relieve stress. Studies have shown that when participants slept longer each night for 5 weeks, they reported feeling less burdened, had lower levels of cortisol, and also experienced improvements in mood. It is crucial to take time for yourself to catch up on sleep to afford longevity and happiness.
Everyone has different needs for self-care. Stop living life on autopilot and start taking care of yourself. It is important to take the time you need in order to be your best self. Whether that means getting a vacation, getting enough sleep, eating good food, or any other strategy that works for you. Being proactive can really help both your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
