When you enjoy a good state of mental health you will feel happy and have the ability to enjoy life and all it has to offer. Did you know that you don’t automatically have good mental health just because you don’t have any major mental health issues?
It takes work to keep your mental health in a good state. The foods that you eat and the exercise that you do or don’t do all have an impact on your mental state. As we mentioned earlier in this eBook it is important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
By choosing to eat a balanced diet you are ensuring that your body and your brain are receiving enough of the essential nutrients that they require to function correctly. By eating foods from all the major food groups it is much easier to achieve the balance required.
Certain nutrients are being shown to have an impact on the way you feel. For example, a lack of any of these nutrients; folate, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 has been shown to be a leading factor in depression in women who have just had a baby.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with anxiety or depression is advised by their doctors to start exercising regularly. This is because exercise will help you feel happier and more alive.
Sleep is also important when it comes to mental health. Many people find it difficult to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. If this applies to you use some of the following suggestions to improve the quality of your sleep.
Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, this way sleep becomes a routine that your body will adjust to.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal before going to bed.
• Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol before bed, instead drink herbal tea.
• Exercise each day but avoid exercising before bedtime.
• Take a warm bath or shower before heading to bed.
• Listen to soft music and have it shut off automatically.
Stress and Your Mental Health
There are many reasons for you to be suffering from stress. You may have a stressful job, you may have experienced a traumatic event, or have been in an accident. Family emergencies can leave you feeling totally stressed out too.
Stress is known for being a silent killer and if you are feeling stressed it is important to learn how to handle it. There are many symptoms of stress and if you suffer from any of the following regularly you may be more stressed out than you think. Don’t neglect these symptoms as something unimportant.
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Upset stomach
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Short-tempered
• Not feeling happy about your job
People who are stressed often feel as though they don’t have time for themselves. They are too busy taking care of others. For this reason, it is important to make time for ‘ME’ each day. All you need is 15 to 30 minutes of ‘me’ time each day.
This could be a time when you read a book quietly, take a relaxing bubble bath, or go for a walk. Use this time to do something positive for yourself.
It will make a huge difference to your mental well being.
You may find it helpful to start doing some form of meditation each day or take up Yoga. Both of these things can help reduce stress, increase your flexibility, and allow you to feel relaxed so you can sleep better at night.
