Seven tips for better mental health

Being healthy also means having good emotional health. When you are mentally healthy you are able to handle life's challenges, stay resilient to life's setbacks, and build strong relationships with others. Improving emotional health is as fulfilling as building good physical health and can benefit all aspects of your life. Boost your well-being and stay mentally healthy by following these top tips.

1. Take care of your body

Your body is meant to be moved and nourished with healthy food. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for depression and anxiety. Moreover, the side effects are desirable. Treating your body with appropriate nutrients and being active will reduce stress hormones, increase monoamines to improve your mood, and provide you with energy to face life's challenges and manage everyday stress. Read more about how food can affect your mood.

2. Feed your soul

Engaging in activities that you are good at and enjoy will boost your confidence and provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Additionally, taking that time to do what you love reinforces the message for yourself and others that you are of value and deserving of time and care. Most importantly, laugh every day! Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases endorphins.

3. Foster good friendships

Whether you're a social butterfly or a wallflower, be mindful of your relationships. Develop a supportive social network and surround yourself with positive people who enjoy and appreciate you. Healthy relationships are essential for emotional health, particularly during times of misfortune and distress. Remember that different friends play different roles in your life and fulfill different needs, so don't rely on one person to be your "everything." The science of friendship If you have been struggling to connect with others, start small. Make eye contact in public, smile and work toward complimenting strangers. You will make people smile and their smile will bring you a brief or even lasting moment of happiness.

4. Embrace your emotions

There are no negative or positive emotions, but rather varying degrees of comfort or discomfort. Emotions are our best informants and motivators, letting us know what is and is not healthy in our lives and prompting change. Keeping feelings trapped inside, hidden, disguised, or denied generates internal tension and confusion. In addition to relief and catharsis, expressing emotions communicates our wants and needs. Next time you find yourself crying, know that by doing so, you are calming your body, relieving your pain, and eliciting support.

5. Take time to relax

Protect yourself from toxic productivity and social pressures to say ‘yes’ to every request and demand of your time and energy. Relaxing is DOING something. Taking breaks, spending time in your favorite chair or hammock, lounging on your couch or even giving yourself permission to scroll on your phone or binge watch your favorite show are all ways to unwind and take care of yourself. You are not wasting time if you are spending time doing something that makes you feel good. In some cases, it’s called goblin mode – being unapologetically self-indulgent.

6. Sleep

Without sleep, tips 1-5 can be quite challenging. Sleep is the foundation of health. It is important to have consistent sleep and wake times.  Adults should get 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Getting adequate sleep will support healthy brain function, weight management, emotional regulation, immunity to illness, and heart health. If you believe you might have a sleep disorder, please talk with your doctor about those concerns. 

7. The Platinum rule

You are with yourself all day every day, so be good to yourself! Do onto yourself as you would do onto others. When someone is hurting, frustrated, anxious, or down, we tend to be skilled at providing comfort, giving advice, or offering relief. Remember to treat yourself with the same compassion, thoughtfulness grace and forgiveness.