5 Easy Tips to Improve your Mental Health

After 2020, it's no secret that everybody has been through some stuff but hopefully, we can improve and regain some of that mental clarity in 2021.

It's also no secret to how important our mental health is considering that it regards our psychological and emotional well-being.

Located below are a couple things that are related to mental health:

〰 Stress levels

〰 Anxiety

〰 Depression

There are so many more but located above are by far some of the more well-known issues that society today faces. Such as how 55% of Americans are stressed out during the day (Gallup) or how anxiety affects 40 million adults in the U.S. (ADAA). Lastly, a whopping 300 million worldwide have depression (WHO). Something needs to be done.

Trust me, when I say that I understand how hard it can be to practice and improve your mental health but even a little bit each day will eventually help.

For starters, you can drink and reap the benefits that water provides for you. I could go on forever about the countless amount of water benefits but overall, it contains natural calming properties and lowers levels of anxiety and depression. So, I highly recommend that you get to sipping.

I also recommend walking (and I don't mean from one room to the next). There is something so meditative about putting your phone aside or the tv or work and just stepping outside and being apart of nature. Not only that but it a very underrated form of exercise which is unfair because it offers tons of great benefits. It is known to increase your cardiovascular and pulmonary system as well as boost your mood and increase your energy. I love looking up at the sky and taking in all the fresh air that comes with walking and it gives me time to myself to be mindful and relax.

Another way to go about relaxation and mindfulness is to dive into the world of meditation. When it comes to meditation there are all different types that fit all different schedules. My favorite is five-minute mindfulness meditation. This is a type of meditation that is quick but gets the job done. If you want lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as well as a newfound perspective then meditation is perfect for you.

Next, there is sleeping. This is something that everybody knows about but yet it seems as though everyone is exhausted. I believe that this is one big reason why mental hardships come about. When you are tired all the time your not in the right headspace to do anything and everything seems exhausting. This is why getting at least 7-8 hours a night should be a mandatory part of your life. It should also be noted that going to bed before midnight helps to push you into that desperately needed deeper sleep.

Lastly, I am going to be covering the importance of a gratitude journal. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful and a gratitude journal does just that. In these journals, you write down at least ten things you are grateful for every day and it overall helps you to realize the importance of people in your life. It opens your eyes and gives you a newfound perspective on all the things you have in life. I personally love this one. Although, I don't do it every day I try to complete it as much as possible and it has improved my overall mental clarity by giving me people and things to appreciate.

I practice every one of the tips listed above and believe and trust that if you do these things every day or at least a little bit each week then you will see results in your overall stress, anxiety, and depression levels.

Sources:

Ray, J. (2020, November 30). Americans' Stress, Worry and Anger Intensified in 2018. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://news.gallup.com/poll/249098/americans-stress-worry-anger-intensified-2018.aspx?utm_source=link_wwwv9&utm_campaign=item_248900&utm_medium=copy

Facts & Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,of%20those%20suffering%20receive%20treatment.

Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression