Mental health issues are extremely tricky and can be largely affected by our environment, social media, and the way we interact with others. A great way to circumvent this problem is to create a routine that supports your mental wellbeing.
Doing the activities in this routine will not only improve your mental health but also make you feel in control of your life, an ability that mental health disorders strip from us.
Exercise
It is never easy to push through that extra pound of weight or run an extra mile, but once you’ve completed a workout, you will be happy you did it. In fact, research shows that exercise can boost your mood. Jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and dancing are all aerobic activities that have been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression. They’ve also been shown to provide benefits such as better sleep, stress relief, increased energy and stamina, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function.
Deep Breathing
Anxiety and sadness are frequent mental health issues that are exacerbated by stress. However, it can have a variety of harmful health effects, including weakening your immune system, which can make you sick more frequently.
Unfortunately, stress is unavoidable. That’s why it is helpful to adopt healthy practices such as deep breathing that can reduce stress levels. You can help decrease your heart rate and lower or stabilize your blood pressure by inhaling deeply enough that the air entering your nose completely fills your lungs. Studies show that increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps induce a feeling of calmness.
Social Interaction
Sometimes we tend to schedule ourselves to the extent of leaving too little time for leisure and social interaction. However, we are social beings and cannot do everything on our own. Studies show that humans are hardwired for connection and community. Interacting with others may help you build satisfying relationships, be happier, and stay optimistic. According to research, these benefits can boost your health and may even lead to a longer life.
People who have a severe lack of strong social ties, on the other hand, are more likely to have high levels of stress and inflammation.
Challenge Yourself
Having a reason to get out of bed every day can give your life a sense of meaning and have a direct impact on your mood. Try spending time on a hobby that makes you feel good about yourself. You can attempt a variety of purposeful activities, and it may take some time to find the appropriate one for you. Starting can be the most difficult part. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Engage in a DIY project
- Yoga
- Learn a language
- Try a new recipe
- Read books
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