Can your mental health improve? Do you sometimes wish that you felt better about yourself?
Luckily, there are certain things we can do to help us accomplish this. These techniques will help you feel more positive about yourself and teach you how to ride the highs and wait out the lows. And once you can do that, nothing can stop you from getting what you want out of life.
Here are five ways to boost your mental health.
1. Connect With Others
Good relationships don’t need years to build. They can form in a matter of months or even weeks. Plus, they don’t have to be an all-in, best-friends-for-life type of relationship.
Just talking to a neighbour or members of your church can have a great impact on your mental health. You learn to listen, empathize, and build a strong sense of self-worth and value.
Have you and a friend not seen each other in a while? Then, reach out and try to arrange a coffee date so you can catch up.
How about your children or other family members? Why not try to set an hour during the day when you talk or play games?
We all know how social media has become an important part of our lives. And it’s made it easier to stay in touch with important people in our lives, especially if they live far away.
It’s good to text and chat regularly. Just make sure technology isn’t replacing your face-to-face communications with people.
2. Learn New Skills
Learning a new skill or hobby can significantly boost your mental health. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people and improve your self-esteem.
It’s nice to have a sense of purpose other than your work. It gives you something to look forward to each day.
The problem, however, is that many people complain that they don’t have enough hours in the day. Luckily, though, technology has made learning more accessible.
Here are some of the ways you can put those high-tech gadgets you have to good use:
- Sign up for an online course, like learning a new language or a practical skill like programming.
- Look for free video tutorials online to help you out with a DIY project.
- If you enjoy cooking, find healthy recipes and learn how to make them.
- Try a new hobby that challenges and entertains you, like painting, writing or gardening.
- Learn to play a new sport or physical activity.
3. Pay More Attention
We’re all guilty of not paying attention to people and things around us. We’re always busy with work or scrolling through our social media feeds.
Focusing all your senses on the present moment can improve your mental well-being. It also boosts your mood and lowers stress levels. Experts call this type of focus mindfulness (look under Additional Resources for more info).
When you practice mindfulness, you enjoy the little things in life. Watching a bird soar overhead or taking in the nuances of nature are just two examples.
You feel more relaxed and at peace when you’re in tune with the small details. Plus, you start to understand better what makes you happy or anxious, which is a healthy way to approach life’s challenges.
4. Get Physically Active
When you do any type of physical activity, you boost your physical fitness and mental wellness. It could be a short 15-minute walk, an hour of cycling each week, or 30 minutes at the gym. You pick the activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good.
Then, once you start noticing the difference, you start to feel good about your looks. That’s when your confidence will soar through the roof.
In addition, your brain signals the nervous central system to release ‘feel-good’ hormones known as endorphins. These wonder chemicals trigger a positive response, which boosts your mood. They also reduce feelings of pain and anxiety.
Check out the following tips on how to get moving to boost your mental health:
- Look online for free activities catered to your fitness level.
- Find local centres where you can dance, swim or cycle.
- Try running with a ‘couch to 5K’ app or podcast.
- If you have a chronic health condition or a disability, many exercises and physical activities can be customized to meet your needs (see Additional Resources for more info).
5. Give To Others
According to research, acts of kindness and giving are great ways to improve mental well-being. When we help others, our brains release another ‘feel-good’ hormone called oxcytocin (look under Additional Resources for more info).
This chemical promotes feelings of empathy and trust. It also makes us calmer, happier and more inspired to do more.
Giving to others could be volunteering at a local shelter or helping out someone on a personal level. The point is to offer your time and energy to do something for others. In return, you’ll feel good about yourself, knowing that you’re valued and appreciated.
Final Thought
Small, consistent steps can lead to significant positive changes. Embrace these techniques with an open heart and willingness to grow.
By connecting with others, learning new skills, practising mindfulness, staying physically active and giving to others, you can create and live a more fulfilling and balanced life.
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop” -Rumi-
Often remind yourself of your potential and the incredible impact you can make on your own life and the lives of those around you. Stay committed and stay positive.
Additional Resources
- The Benefits Of Mindfulness
- Physical Activities For Those With A Disability
- Oxcytocin & Other Brain Hormones
BE REAL ♥ BE AWESOME ♥ BE YOU
