You want to wake up each day feeling excited about life and looking forward to what will unfold. However, when you’re stressed out, tired, and anxious, this can be hard to do.
You must realise that you’re in the driver’s seat and the choices you make and your habits impact how you feel daily. Life is meant to be lived, so you want to make sure you’re energised and in a good place mentally. If you’re ready to make some changes to your routine that will have a positive impact, then you’ve come to the right place to learn more.
Spend time in nature
You may find yourself glued to your devices often throughout the day. While technology is helpful, it can also make you feel lousy and more anxious over time. Instead, choose to disconnect and spend more time in nature. The fresh air and sunshine will feel good, and you’ll gain an instant boost in your mood. There are many activities you can do outdoors, such as hiking, gardening, or swimming. If it’s cold and wintertime, then bundle up and go skiing or go for a walk and capture some beautiful snowy pictures. Nature can heal your mind and allow you to quickly reduce stress and slow racing thoughts.
Talk to a professional
Everyone has problems, and you’re no different if you’re facing some currently. Sometimes it’s hard to get yourself out of a slump or problem-solve on your own. You might find it helpful to talk to a professional and get some advice and new coping mechanisms. Make sure you check your insurance coverage and get the right therapist, so it’s affordable. For example, there are Aetna therapists who are licensed and trained to assist you. There is a wide range of mental health disorders and health conditions that they cover. You’ll likely feel much better even after a few sessions of opening up and being vulnerable. It’s a great way to feel unstuck and make forward progress in your life.
Prioritise regular physical activity
It’s also wise to stay active and engage in regular physical activity. Boost your mental health and feel happier by challenging your body. Mix up your routine to keep it interesting and work different muscle groups. For example, you can join a gym and lift weights, go for a run, or take a group exercise class. Working out releases endorphins in your brain, and it’s a great way to reduce stress. You may also find it rewarding to get into better shape and become stronger overall. If you don’t have time for a full sweat session, then at least get outside and go for a walk. It may help to identify an accountability partner so you can encourage one another to keep active.
Eat better
Eating better is a simple yet challenging tip to take into account. While you may want to eat better, you might also find it difficult to do so. For example, maybe you have a demanding job or a sweet tooth that you tend to give in to. It’s important to purchase nutritious ingredients and try to cook and prepare healthy meals and snacks at home. You’ll feel much better overall and will have more natural energy. On the weekends, you can do some food prep or make meals and freeze them so you can pull them out later. Be mindful that there are some foods that can increase and decrease anxiety. Fill your plate with lean proteins, leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains, and try to limit sugar and processed foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as well. Water will provide you with more natural energy and nourish your skin.
Proactively manage stress
Another tip for boosting your mental health and feeling happier is to proactively manage stress. Too much stress can make you feel on edge and more overwhelmed. It’s not only about reducing stress levels but also doing so in a healthy manner. For example, you can work in your garden, listen to calming music, or spend time with a loved one. If you are feeling stressed out, it may cause you to overeat or get less restful sleep. Pay attention to your triggers and take breaks when you feel it’s necessary. It’s also important to take time off work and go on holiday every so often.
Practice gratitude
You should also get in the habit of challenging negative thought patterns. You can boost your mental health and feel happier by maintaining a positive mindset. One way to do so is by practising gratitude regularly . Make a list of what you’re most thankful for in your life and review it in the morning and before bedtime. You will likely discover that there’s a lot that’s going right and well and reasons to feel happy. There will be less time and energy to think about what’s going wrong or what you don’t have, and you can turn negative situations into learning opportunities. Try writing in a journal throughout the day to practice gratitude and instantly shift your focus.
Get decent sleep
Lack of sleep will make you feel sluggish and out of sorts. It can drag down your mood and make you feel less motivated to take good care of yourself. Therefore, it’s important to configure your bedroom for optimal rest and find a relaxing bedtime routine. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night and take short naps or periods of rest when you are feeling tired. Sleep and mental health go hand-in-hand, so it’s not something that you want to miss out on. You will feel mentally and physically restored in the morning when you get decent rest and a good night’s sleep.
Takeaway
These tips will help you boost your mental health and feel happier overall. All it takes is some attention to detail and deciding what you want to make a priority in your schedule. When you nurture your mental health, you will find that you have more energy and are able to achieve the goals you set for yourself. When you feel good, you make good choices, and you will be able to more easily maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Zuella Montemayor, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.