by Finnegan Pierson,
Contributing Author, Conscious Reminder
The world can be a stressful place. It is easy for your mental health to suffer as you deal with the daily grind of work deadlines, romantic relationships and family problems. However, there are simple steps you can take to improve your emotional well-being.
Stay Physically Healthy
Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Exercise, for instance, does more than just keep your heart strong. It can also reduce your anxiety.
Exercise causes your body to release endorphins and helps your adrenaline levels remain balanced.
This, in turn, reduces your stress. Physical activity also boosts your production of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, all of which control your mood. Working out for just 20 minutes a day can thus help you feel happier.
Keeping your brain properly fueled can also improve both your mental and physical health. This means eating lots of lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats, vegetables and fruits. It also means avoiding processed foods.
There are many types of healthy diets from which you can choose. Whichever one you decide to follow, make sure it provides plenty of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in flaxseeds, walnuts and wild salmon, may even lower your risks of schizophrenia and depression.
If you are worried about not getting the proper minerals and vitamins, you can try supplements such as those included in the Le-Vel Thrive Experience. The shakes, capsules and patches give you the nutrients you need, and the Thrive side effects are minimal.
Do not forget about proper sleep, either. Getting seven to nine hours of rest per day gives your body and mind time to decompress. Poor sleep, however, can make it hard to concentrate and increase your irritability.
Take Time for Yourself
Along the same lines, you need to think about what is best for yourself. It can be easy to focus on the demands from your family and friends. However, this could easily make you feel overwhelmed.
You thus need to spend at least a bit of time each week doing something that you enjoy. This could be as simple as relaxing in a warm bath or dancing around the house. Even just watching a funny video can boost your mental health.
Creative expression can also lead to a boost in your well-being. Try a fun activity that lets you express yourself, such as painting or cooking.
Cultivate Relationships
Still, we cannot spend all of our free time by ourselves. Connecting with others is important, as well.
Mammals are social creatures and thus need to interact with other people. You may be busy with work, but set aside some time to visit a friend or invite people over. You can even just send a thoughtful text to let your loved ones know how you feel about them.
Friends can also give you a new perspective. They can teach you new information or help you see a stressful situation in a new way.
Trusting others is a key part of cultivating relationships. Do not be afraid to share your true feelings with someone close to you. Expressing yourself and realizing you can trust your confidants should improve your well-being.
However, you need to be realistic when it comes to your platonic, familial and romantic relationships.
Establish clear boundaries and let them know what you expect.
Your relationships with casual acquaintances and co-workers are important, too. Just being kind to a stranger or someone you do not know well can make you happier.
Make Goals
Setting realistic goals for yourself, and then reaching those goals, will give you a sense of accomplishment. Make sure the goal is challenging yet achievable. Once you have completed your mission, you will have an improved sense of self-worth.
With your busy life and tons of responsibilities, it can be easy to forget about your mental health.
However, you cannot achieve success at home or at work unless you feel good about yourself. Boosting your self-esteem does not happen overnight, but the above steps should help you start your journey.
About the Author: Finnegan Pierson is an avid outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer. He enjoys writing about sustainability, eco-friendly behaviors, and local travel. He loves to meditate, and spend time with his family.
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