With the rise in mental health awareness and major progress in the field of psychology, it is becoming more apparent that the general public needs to do more to maintain and improve their mental health. Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing to live a long, productive, and fulfilling life.
Tackling mental health concerns can be extremely difficult and it often feels overwhelming considering all the different factors contributing to psychological wellbeing. Luckily, there are a few simple and healthy ways to improve your mental health on your own and with company!
Exercise
A body in motion tends to stay in motion, and getting up and getting active is a great first step to make changes for the benefit of your mental health. Exercise and daily movement are incredibly good for both your physical and mental health. Both doctors and mental health professionals agree that taking steps to increase your daily activity and finding new and enjoyable ways to get active greatly impacts your mental wellbeing for the better.
Getting active doesn’t have to involve drastic changes right off the bat, starting off with small changes in your everyday routine will help you make the transition to a healthier life. For most adults, a goal of 10,000 steps a day, avoiding remaining sitting for long periods of time, getting some adequate time out in the fresh air and sunlight, and some mild to intermediate cardio are very healthy goals for daily movement.
As your daily activity increases you can find more enjoyable ways to increase the intensity of your exercise. It is easier to stay motivated to move when you enjoy the activity, so finding a sport or workout routine you really love is a great way to keep up the hard work.
Joining a gym is a great way to give yourself a variety of machines and equipment to get in a solid workout. Most gyms also offer personal training, group fitness experiences, and special classes to see what kinds of exercises are the most effective and enjoyable for you.
Apart from working out in a designated fitness center, many communities have small sports teams that anyone can join no matter the skill level. Getting out and active with a local sports team adds community and allows you to explore a variety of organized sports to find more enjoyable ways to stay active.
Getting out and staying fit with daily movement and exercise is one of the most important steps to consider when looking for ways to improve your mental health.
Nutrition
The human brain is a very complex organ and it needs proper nutrition to function correctly. Consuming a colorful array of nutrient-rich foods is an important part of maintaining your mental health.
There are many vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy brain. Vitamins B1, B9, C, and minerals Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium are some of the most crucial for healthy brain chemistry. Many doctors recommend eating lots of leafy green veggies and lean meats to get the majority of these vitamins in your meals. If you still aren’t getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals there are plenty of daily supplements to fill in the gaps.
Apart from making sure you get in your vitamins and minerals, it is important to take note of the quality of your meals. Eating nutrient-rich meals and steering away from processed foods helps your body take in what it needs and will make you feel better about what you are putting into your system.
Taking steps to take in the right nutrients and eat a well-balanced diet is another great way to improve your mental health.
Moral Support
Tackling mental health problems can be extremely difficult on your own. Everything can be so overwhelming, so having a solid support group to fall back on will help you find comfort and good company for the long road ahead.
Identify a few people in your life that you feel comfortable sharing your emotions with and who will love and care for you no matter what. Whether they are friends, family, healthcare providers, or someone else close to you, having someone else to help you through your mental health troubles is very important to making positive change.
Therapy
Mental health is complicated and sometimes it’s difficult to know when you need to call in professionals. Seeking therapy can be a difficult decision to make but it will benefit you in the long run. Having a mental health professional on your side to help you work through your problems and your pain will assist you in your journey to better wellbeing.
Therapists strive to make a personal connection with their patients, getting to know them and their life stories to learn how best to help them. They also give their patients tools to work through their mental health problems and address the difficulties of life in a healthier and more productive way.
While making the choice to start therapy and open up to the professionals can be a very daunting experience, getting help from the right therapist and taking advantage of their knowledge is a very important step to improving your mental health.
Somatic Therapy
One emerging alternative to traditional talk and psychotherapy is somatic therapy. Somatic therapy is a form of therapy that aims at targeting trauma-related stress responses and developing healthier responses to those triggers.
This type of therapy is usually used on patients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders and associated disorders but there are many therapists that use somatic trauma therapy techniques to address other mental health concerns. Patients looking to address possible signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress-related disorders should seek the advice of a therapist or medical professional before moving forward with treatment.
While somatic therapy might not be the right fit for everyone, the right therapist may be able to address very specific needs in the right patients and help them make positive changes for their mental wellbeing.
Gabe Nelson is a content specialist of over 7 years of experience, currently working with downtownsomatictherapy.com. Just out of high school he set off crab fishing on the Bering sea in Alaska. From there he went back home to finish his college degree at the University of Montana. He has a passion and keen understanding when it comes to Mental Health inside and out. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids.