Mental health helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. It includes your psychological and social well-being. It also encompasses your emotional health, or your ability to name, address, and regulate your emotions.
To obtain a better understanding about caring for mental health in our routine life, we sought help from an expert – Dr Roma Kumar, Chief Psychologist at Emotionally, a platform catering to people suffering from mental health disorders.
Dr Kumar says, “Your mental health can impact everything about your life, including the ways you view and move through the world and your ability to handle the things life throws at you. Many factors play a part in mental health, some of which you can’t control, such as genetics, life experiences, and family history.”
Cultivating lifestyle habits to take care of mental health
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Dr Kumar sheds light on caring for mental health in your routine life: “Nurturing your mental health can also help you manage health conditions that are worsened by stress. But you do have influence over a wide portion of your mental health. Caring for your mental health can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, clearer thinking, deeper relationships, improved self-esteem and confidence. That’s why building habits for better mental health can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.”
Small habits that will improve your mental health
1. Proper sleep cycle
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Getting enough sleep is essential not just for physical health, but also for mental health. The quality of your sleep matters, too. Disrupted sleep can contribute to mental health symptoms.
2. Control social media screen time
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Try to spend less time on social media. Constantly consuming information about other people’s lives may cause someone to compare themselves and promote feelings of low self-worth, which increases feelings of anxiety and depression.
3. Cultivate meaningful connections
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Strong relationships can have a positive influence on your mental health in various ways. Cultivating positive connections and nurturing your friendships can ease the feelings of loneliness, make it easier to get emotional support, and add meaning to your life.
4. Exercise
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Exercise helps you relieve stress, lift your mood, fall asleep faster and sleep longer, as well as manage depression and anxiety conditions. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym — unless you genuinely want to. Instead, make movement and body stretching enjoyable by opting for physical activities that work best for your body and health.
5. Take a break
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We live in a high pressure, fast-paced world.Make time for rest, as it gives your mind and body the opportunity to unwind and restore.
6. Focus on positivity
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Positive thoughts are important. Positive thinking can seem impossible when you’re feeling low, but there’s plenty of evidence that it can have a significant impact on your mood.
7. Eat right
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There is a direct link between food and mood. 95% of the serotonin we produce is from neurotransmitters in the gut. Eating healthy foods that are high in vegetables, whole grains, and good-for-your-brain fats are associated with reduced risk of depression compared to a diet which is higher in sugar, processed foods, and dairy.
8. Be easy on yourself
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How we treat ourselves through the ups and downs of life can have a tremendous impact on our health and mental health. A disposition that tends towards self-critical, or perfectionistic, can be a risk factor for anxiety and depression.
As you explore new behaviours and begin incorporating them into your routine, aim to frame these changes as self-kindness, not self-punishment. Maintaining a gentle, kind attitude toward yourself can do a lot more to improve your mental health and overall outlook than criticism and negative self-talk.
9. Engage in activities that you love
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One of the best ways to maintain a healthy mind is to keep your brain active and occupied. If you have a hobby, try to make sure that you keep it up. One of the first things that we tend to do when we feel low is stop doing things that previously made us happy, but it’s important that you avoid that, if possible.
10. Know when to ask for help
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Despite all our best efforts, it can sometimes still feel difficult to be honest about our struggles with mental health. We don’t always know how people are going to react, and that can be scary. But, being honest with yourself, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and asking for help are really important for staying mentally healthy.
Dr Roma concludes, “Your mental health plays a pivotal role in your quality of life. Many of the factors that can affect mental health remain beyond your control, but adding beneficial habits to your days can promote greater wellness. If your mental health starts to get worse, it could be time to consider reaching out to a therapist. Professional support can be a powerful tool in your positive mental habits toolkit.”
Lead Image Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment
