Mental health is a bit of a taboo subject in our society today. There are unfortunate stigmas attached to mental health, and as a result, it is something that far too often goes unchecked. However, mental health plays a huge role in who we are and how we live.

The difference between a good state of mental health and a bad state of mental health can make all the difference in our day to day lives. Achieving a good state of mental health starts with the small decisions that we make on a daily basis.

Here at the Sunlight Recovery, we are strong advocates for mental health and it is our goal to help you become the best version of yourself. We believe that all of this starts with making choices for yourself that are beneficial to your mind.  We have some tips for you to incorporate into your life which will improve your mental health and keep your mind and body happy.

First Tip for Positive Mental Health: Rest

One of the first ways you can start looking out for your mental health is to make sure you get enough rest. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every single night is crucial to providing you with the energy to not just crash and fade throughout the day. It has been proven that sleep is vital to re-energizing your brain.

During sleep, your brain goes through what is called a sleep cycle. This cycle consists of 5 stages and each stage lasts approximately 90 minutes long. It is vital that your brain goes through at least 4-6 sleep cycles a night. If you do not get enough sleep during the night, try allowing a nap to fit into your schedule. Even just a 20-minute power nap can refresh your brain in surprising ways. Without proper sleep, your mind will undoubtedly be sluggish, and this can definitely take a toll on your mood.

More Tips on Mental Health

The next tip you can incorporate into your life is exercising regularly. While this may seem like just another annoying chore to fit into your already packed schedule, the benefits are highly worth it. You may have heard that during exercise your brain releases what are called endorphins. These are hormones which are secreted in the brain that are responsible for creating a positive feeling in your mind and body. You can start with something simple like a 30-minute walk on a treadmill or outdoors. If you work long shifts, try walking down the halls or up and down flights of stairs during breaks. Getting your blood pumping is what will release those endorphins, and you will be surprised how many fun and creative ways there are to exercise.

Another tip on looking out for your mental health is finding a creative was to express yourself. Try that new recipe you have been meaning to make for a while, write a poem that you have been meaning to get out onto paper, paint that picture you have been waiting so long to finally paint. You could even try something new! Take up a pottery class, a dancing class, or something else entirely, and you may end up finding yourself a new hobby that you greatly enjoy. Creative expression and overall well-being go hand in hand.

Nutrition is another great way to keep your mental health in check. You may not realize it, but the nutrients you put into your body make a huge difference in the way you feel. Your body requires certain vitamins and minerals to function properly. Without the essential nutrition, you will lack energy and your brain will be in a fog. If you don’t know what a balanced diet looks like, consult with your doctor or a dietician for guidance. It is easy to get caught up in bad habits, and eating junk food is a very common one. Cutting junk food out and eating healthy are difficult things to do, but provide highly valuable rewards for your mind and body.

Connecting with other people can help your mental health as well. We were not meant to go on this journey alone, and that’s what your friends and family are for. In the chaos of life, we often find ourselves too busy to make plans with people. However, it is so important to make time for social interaction. Call up a family member or friend and just talk if they don’t live close to you. Strike up a conversation with a coworker and try to make new friends too. Isolating yourself from people is one of the most detrimental things you can do for your mental health. Having connections with other people improves your self-esteem, gives you new perspectives and gives you an overall sense of belonging.

Meditation is a somewhat less common way to look after your mental health, yet certainly improves the quality of your mental health over time! While most people associate meditation with sitting with your eyes closed and humming, it actually involves a lot more than that. Anything that involves slowing yourself down and having a moment of peace and quiet can be considered meditation. Any stressed-out mind can greatly benefit from taking a moment to step back from the responsibilities of life and just rest in the silence. Meditation works best if you are in a quiet and safe space by yourself. However, you can also meditate with other people such as in group yoga classes. Whichever way you choose, meditation is a fantastic way to pamper your mind and give it a mental spa day.

Reach Out Today

If after incorporating these tips into your life you are still not feeling mentally well, do not hesitate to reach out to someone for help. Mental health is a serious topic and should always be addressed. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can be on the path to recovery and a life of well-being. Here at Sunlight Recovery, we prioritize mental health and recovery. No matter what it is you are struggling with, we are confident that we have the right treatment for you. Don’t let addiction or mental illness keep you from pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Please contact us today by calling (844) 426-0790. Our compassionate team of counselors are standing by to take your call.