The new year always brings about new stresses in a society where we are plugged in 24/7; it can be hard work keeping on top of your mental health—Here’s how you can keep your mental health intact at home.
Improve your mental health
Your mental health should be at the top of your priorities list. When mental health suffers, so do many other aspects of your personal life. It becomes harder to cope with everyday minor stresses and have a less than enjoyable day to day life.
It is not always easy and possible to remove everyday stressors that can strain your mental health. It is easier to cope if you take the time to support your mind and surround yourself with things that promote better well-being and make your life easier. Studies have shown that it is the small things that count when you are feeling down and out.
Count enough sheep
Quality sleep and a good night’s rest are vital to feeling good. If you are physically worn out and run down, it is much easier to feel upset and mentally wary. Getting a good night’s rest can do wonders for your mental endurance. In a perfect world, adults should have approximately 7 hours of sound sleep every night. With many adults not getting the required amount of sleep due to insomnia and sleep interruption, there are a few tricks you can add to your bedtime routine to ensure you get the rest you need.
- Lowering the temperature – Sleeping in a cooler room rather than hot or warm can help you get quality sleep.
- The ultimate temperature for sleep is 60 – 67 degrees Fahrenheit;
- Stretching – A gentle stretch routine before bedtime can remove physical aches and pains from daily tension. Restorative yoga is perfect before bedtime;
- Kill the screen – Switch off all screens for at least 30 minutes before you go to bed; the blue light in screens has been proven to impact your sleep and keep your brain active long after switching off. Playing on your phone or your laptop before turning the lights out can cause restless sleep and disruption. Unplug and pick up a good book to unwind;
- Go to bed clean – Jumping into a shower before you turn in for the night can help wash the stresses away. Getting into bed clean can help you feel better;
- Routine – A solid routine can help you get into the right space before bedtime. It enables you to unwind and get ready for the evening.
Cut the booze, eat a good meal every day
Cutting out alcohol is excellent for your headspace. Booze is known to be a depressant and can keep you in a state of sadness or depression if abused. Alcohol can aggravate any problems you might have. Making sure your body is physically healthy makes it easier to look after your state of mind.
Include omega threes, essential amino acids, a quality amount of protein, and healthy fats that can help you stay sharp and focused. An unhealthy diet packed full of processed foods can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. Feeling fresh starts with eating fresh produce.
Invest in physical health
It is only too easy to hole up inside the house and scroll through Netflix the whole day when you feel less than perky. The best way to get endorphins going and feeling better is by working out. While it might seem like too much of a commitment to sign up for a gym contract, it is easy to workout at home with minimal equipment.
Even if the aim is not becoming an Instagram fitness model, working out for 10 to 15 minutes a day can help you feel on top of the world and productive. A pair of booty bands (like these https://victoremgear.com/products/booty-bands) and a ten-minute YouTube workout can help you feel happier and healthier for the day. Try to set a routine and make time to work out, especially on days where you have nothing planned.
Hydrate!
Stay hydrated. Think about it if you are sitting there as dry as the sponge in your bathroom, you aren’t going to feel too great. Dehydration can make you feel rather under the weather. Being dehydrated can cause feelings of being tired, sluggish, constipated, and give you headaches. Staying hydrated is vital to a properly functioning body, meaning it is one less thing for you to worry about getting a possible headache.
For every cup of coffee, try to drink one glass of water; coffee can cause dehydration and raise your acid levels. Grab a large water bottle and mark off sections on the bottle; set a reminder to drink to the next water line every few hours to keep yourself hydrated and refreshed. So herbal teas can also be hydrating and a healthy alternative to drinking water.
Talk about it with friends and family
The need for human interaction never goes away; even the most introverted people need some human interaction. Sometimes sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone close can help you get it off your chest and feel better about your mindset. Sharing your problems, thoughts, and feelings with someone close can offer up a different perspective that you needed. You should never feel alone or unsupported. Reaching out to friends when you are struggling is important.
Take time to take care of yourself
Whether it is a seasonal depression or just a blue Monday, your mental health is essential, and so is your mindset. If you make time to keep your mind healthy, it will be much easier to cope on days that are a little harder than others. Remember, this too shall pass; it might be difficult or feel like a kidney stone; however, it will pass.