Nowadays, it is an increasingly accepted fact that taking care of your health means taking care of your mind as well as your body. The importance of mental health has become a prominent issue in conversations about self-care and well-being, which is incredible news.
However, for many people, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Somehow, making the right decisions for your body seems more straightforward than doing so for your mind. This is just a matter of practice. Mental health only seems confusing because it is such a relatively new concept for many of us. When it comes down to it, practicing self-care for your mental health can be quite simple.
Eat Healthy Meals
Healthy eating is essential to good physical and mental health, but many people approach it in the wrong way. Eating well is not just a means to looking slimmer, living longer, or avoiding disease - although it will do all those things. A nutritious, balanced diet can make you feel better in every possible way, physically and mentally.
How To Do It: If you don’t know where to start, a fresh food delivery service can be the solution. It will introduce healthy foods into your life in a convenient and gradual way, and it can also make nutritious eating fun and exciting, thus keeping you on track for a permanent lifestyle change.
Sleep 7-8 Hours A Day
There is no getting around this: adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night for healthy brain and body function. According to Gallup, the average American clocks in at 6.8 hours of sleep. Too many of us are letting our sleep habits slide, and this can have devastating effects on our mental health.
How To Do It: Set up a sleep schedule, with a prescribed sleep and wake-up time, and stick to it. Avoid distractions that keep you up late at night (we’re looking at you, smartphones) as well as certain foods and drinks.
Stay Active
According to BBC News, regular, moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to be an effective tool in combating depression. It has also been shown to be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. All you need is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity. This may seem like a lot, but it’s a lot more manageable than you would think.
How To Do It: Find an exercise you enjoy. It can be a brisk walk in a neighborhood you like, swimming, yoga, Zumba, rock climbing, weightlifting, rollerblading...anything that gets you moving but doesn't feel like work.
Make Time For Relaxing
Everyone needs to relax. If you don’t carve out time for relaxation in your daily routine, the stress in your life will build up and can lead to burnout and serious illness. Whether you have an anxiety disorder or are simply prone to stress, relaxation is one of the most crucial skills you will have to learn.
How To Do It: Everyone has different ways of relaxing, so there’s no one right answer here. Some people like creative hobbies, some people meditate and do yoga, and some people watch videos on the internet. If you haven’t found your “thing” yet, try a few of these science-backed
methods.
You’ve probably noticed that many of these habits are the same ones that you are encouraged to cultivate for your physical well-being. That is because your body and your mind are part of the same system, and thus, feed into each other. A holistic approach to self-care, which recognizes and uses this connection, is the best way to find yourself in a happier and healthier place in all aspects of your life.
Author:
After years in the corporate world, Brad discovered that his real calling is helping people implement self-care practices that improve their overall well-being.
http://selfcaring.info/