Our brain is a powerful thing. And mental health plays a vital role in how we feel, value ourselves, eat, sleep and work. Mental health controls your consciousness and determines how your body functions.
Stress, anxiety, too many responsibilities, tension from work and lack of work-life balance all affect our health and how we feel. Even though some people neglect the importance of mental health, studies found that serious mental illnesses can lower life expectancy to 15 years while also affecting all spheres of our lives.
That is why the importance of mental health is growing, and we collected 6 useful tips that can help you reduce stress without taking too much time or energy from your daily lives. Let’s explore them below:
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Having a healthy yet balanced diet allows you to maintain both physical and mental health. Junk food brings us happiness only for a second, while balanced food allows us to enjoy long-term effects. Try to fill your diet with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, which have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and mental decline. However, do not forget to eat your favourite food, even if it is fast food or candies, from time to time.
2. Communicate with People
Scientists say that communication with people for just 10 minutes a day improves memory and stimulates the brain. It also can help you to refocus, which is essential in case of racing thoughts and stress. Whether it is a family, a friend or small talk with a stranger, communication is a great way to boost your mental health.
3. Read a Book for 30 Minutes a Day
Reading a book for 30 minutes daily can improve mood and also stimulates the brain. Depending on the book you choose, it can either help you to boost your motivation and focus or let you calm down and relax before going to bed. In addition, Headway allows you to add reading to your hobby list as easily as possible, offering various formats so you can choose what suits your lifestyle best.
4. Pick up a New Hobby
Starting a new hobby is an excellent way to reduce stress and switch the focus when you feel overwhelmed, lonely or lost. It can help your brain to create new connections, which aids memory and improves overall wellness. It also helps you to feel more powerful and happier since your life will be filled with new emotions and events, maintaining mental health.
5. Exercise 30 Minutes a Day
Exercising makes us happier. Scientists report that physical activity releases happy hormones known as endorphins which balance mood and help the body cope with stress. This makes it easier for us to focus and increase productivity. It is better to choose intense exercises in the morning and calming ones like yoga in the evening.
6. Try to Achieve Your Goals
Having a goal and a plan of how you want to achieve it reduces lots of stress. Start by creating small goals and reward yourself when you achieve them so you will take care of your mental health. Then move to bigger goals, but keep them realistic. Scientists say that people having goals are generally happier.
