Contributed by Katie Scott
Not medically reviewed by Dr. Erin Stair
There are many aspects of life that can negatively impact upon your mental health, and it can seem difficult to maintain full control over your mind and the thoughts that whizz and spin around it. Learning to prioritise your mental wellbeing can have a dramatic impact upon your life as a whole, as you will be able to lay the best foundations for positivity and optimism to truly thrive. A stable mental state allows you to take the opportunity to improve your physical health too, so it’s a battle that is most definitely worth fighting for. Luckily, it needn’t be as difficult as you might initially expect to start making your mental health a priority, as there are a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to feel a noticeable difference in no time at all. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best steps that you can follow today!
Eat Well & Exercise Often
Though you may not associate food and exercise with your mental health, these two factors actually have a massive influence on the way that you feel. The food that you eat directly converts into the fuel that your mind (and body) use to perform each and every task. Providing yourself with the wrong kinds of food that contain high levels of artificial ingredients such as sugar, saturated fat and flavourings can cause a rollercoaster of emotion, as these unnatural products can trigger mood swings, fatigue and more. Opting for a whole foods diet that’s rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and lean protein will provide you with the best building blocks necessary to establish a stable mental state, with no unwanted or uncontrollable side effects. Adding exercise into your schedule can aid your mental health in several ways, as a session of intense cardio like boxing can relieve stress like nothing else, and the rush of endorphins that you experience as a result of your hard work will make it all worth your while.
Don’t Ignore Your Emotions
One of the worst things that you can do when attempting to improve your mental health is to ignore your emotions, as properly acknowledging and investigating your feelings is the only way to solve emotional issues. Figuring out the source of your woes will help you to find the tools that you need to solve the negative feelings you are experiencing, rather than simply trying to cope with the discomfort instead. Exploring different methods of emotional & energy healing can aid you in getting a better understanding of your unique needs as an individual, as well as how you can provide your own support and resolutions too. Making your mental health a priority will be a whole lot easier if you’re willing to see your emotions in the cold light of day, as it’s hard to move forward unless you have a full understanding of the true issues at hand.