Home   >   Art & Lifestyle   >   8 Simple Changes to Jumpstart Your Mental Health

8 Simple Changes to Jumpstart Your Mental Health

By on March 18, 2019
swpaige

By Paige A. Mitchell

Mental health is equally as important as physical health. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not real. Taking care of your mental state will look different for everyone, since every person has a unique set of needs. That said, there are a few universally helpful steps you can take to jumpstart the process.

1. Start an exercise routine
If your physical condition allows, start an exercise regimen if you don’t have one.
Studies have shown that just a 20 minute walk can boost your mood and loosen some of those stressful mental knots.

Take a short stroll on your lunch break or do an easy living room workout after work instead of watching tv or taking a nap—your brain will thank you in the long-run. Exercise doesn’t have to be about weight loss or looking a certain way, either. The real game changer of exercise is the positive affect on your well-being.

2. Try talking to someone
Seeing a counselor may be a financial commitment if your health insurance doesn’t cover it. However, many health insurance plans do cover a few counseling sessions. If possible, counseling is a wonderful way to walk through what’s going on in your life.

Therapy can help you get a fresh perspective on your situation and is healthy for everyone to try. If you don’t think therapy is right for you, try reaching out to a trusted friend or family member. Even if things are going perfect, it’s healthy to talk about what’s going on and what some of your hopes are for the future.

3. Enjoy time with those you love
Whether it’s family members, college friends or even your favorite furry friend, spending free time with those you love is relaxing and does wonders for your mental health. Spending time with your friends and family doesn’t have to cost anything either.

Even if it’s just going for a walk or having someone over for a movie, spending quality time with people is the best way to maintain your friendships and keep up with what’s going on in other people’s lives.

4. Get into a healthy sleep schedule
Good sleep doesn’t involve scrolling through your phone until your eyes close from exhaustion. Getting into a healthy sleep schedule involves winding down slowly. Maybe this means reading a book or taking a bath before getting some shut eye.

Find what helps you get the best sleep and do more of that. Commit to going to sleep and waking up at the same time everyday, even on the weekends if you can.

5. Find an outlet for stress
A few common ways to relieve stress are through counseling, journaling, boxing, or running. Whatever it may be, find an activity that calms you down and helps you express your emotions in a healthy way. Getting involved in an activity that helps you relieve your stress is one of the best ways to keep your mental health intact.

6. Create a safe haven at home
Home is more than where the heart is—it’s the place where you should be able to truly relax and let your guard down. If your home brings more stress than it does clarity, that’s a problem. Make your home a safe haven by taking care of it.

Spend time cleaning up clutter, vacuuming floors, and wiping down counters. Actually schedule the home repairs you’ve been putting off for years. Similar to taking care of yourself, it’s just as important to take care of your home.

7. Volunteer for an organization you care about
Being a volunteer is the easiest way to get connected in your community, take care of yourself, and make a difference. It’s a great way to meet new friends and create a sense of purpose in your life. If you don’t know where to start, try out a website like VolunteerMatch to find opportunities in your area.

8. Spend a little time outside each day
Getting into nature has enormous benefits and has been found to reduce the likelihood of depression and anxiety. If it’s possible, spend a little time outside to feel the sunshine and get some fresh air. Knock out three birds with one stone by calling a friend, while taking a walk outside in your neighborhood.

 

********

 

paigemitchellPaige Mitchell is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing practical advice on how to make our homes healthier, more functional, and most enjoyable.

https://paigeamitchell.weebly.com/
https://www.instagram.com/paige.mitchell18/

About simply...woman!

We encourage spreading the message of knowledge and wisdom. We appreciate and thank our featured partners for their articles. All information provided on Simply…Woman online magazine is for reference only; the content is based on the authors’ experiences and therefore is not intended as a substitute to the services of a fully qualified professional. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Simply…Woman makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information.