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How to Boost Your Mental Health

May 2, 2019

Every May, we make it a priority to discuss the importance of mental health. Even though we are dedicated to talking openly about this topic during National Mental Health Month, we should all be more proactive in talking about it and increasing its awareness year-around.

Each of us has our own mental health to focus on and keep well. It’s our emotional, psychological and social well-being that affects how we feel, think, and act. It’s absolutely normal to run into troubles with your mental health - we all do. You could be dealing with trauma from divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one. Aside from a known cause, mental health also runs in your genetic make-up so it may be something passed down.

There are some obvious symptoms of mental health struggles: feeling sad more often than you feel happy, withdrawing from family, friends, and activities you typically enjoy, intense mood swings, and even losing sleep at night. Sound like you? Read on for a few ways to help.

Take a break:
Sometimes taking a break is all you need. Don’t deny yourself this much needed time. It could be 15-minutes, it could be 2-hours, or it could be an entire weekend. Everyone is different but take some time away so your mind can decompress. Mental overloads are very real and happen all the time. We all need some down-time, that includes you.

Eat mood-boosting foods:
It’s easy to grab snacks and meals that are quick and convenient. If you can help it - DON’T! The caffeine in your gas station soda, the sugary snacks from the corner convenience store, and the burger and fries from your favorite fast-food joint unfavorably affect your mood. Convenient, yes - good for you, not so much. Instead, plan ahead and pack things like almonds, cashews, tuna, avocado, fresh fruits and leafy greens. You’ll be shocked at how much better they make you feel!

Keep moving:
Exercising keeps you refreshed, boosts your self-esteem and promotes a better night’s sleep. We understand that everyone is already so busy, trying to squeeze even the shortest work-out into your day can be nearly impossible. But if you can pull 15-minutes from other parts of your day and take a brisk walk, you’ll be doing wonders for your mental health. Trust us, take the walk - you’ll feel so much better afterward.

Make yourself a priority:
You used to love painting, so why’d you stop? Get back to doing things you enjoy. If there’s an activity you can do that makes you feel good, then do it. Getting lost in a project that you enjoy doing is a good thing. By letting your love for an activity take you away, you’ll likely find that your stress is decreased, and you’ll just end up feeling better overall. Allow yourself to make you a priority for once. Taking some time to take care of you is the most important choice you can make for your mental health.

It’s important to take care of YOU, and you can by calling SIHF Healthcare. Our behavioral health providers treat mental health conditions including ADHD, anger issues, anxiety and panic disorders, chemical dependency, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma and grief, women’s issues and more. Our medical professionals service over two dozen SIHF Healthcare locations. Click here to find a provider near you and start your journey to achieving positive mental health.