6 Ways To Strengthen Your Mental Health | Newport Medical and Wellness

6 Ways To Strengthen Your Mental Health

February 27, 2020

in Fitness Program, Lifestyle

After a long winter season, your mental and emotional health may be in a bit of a slump. This isn’t unusual, so don’t feel like you’re alone. It’s estimated that 10 million Americans have some degree of seasonal affective disorder, which tends to become worse in the winter. Fortunately, there are things you can do to strengthen your mental health, no matter what time of year it is. Here are six ideas to get you started.

  1. Exercise

Though you may think of exercise as primarily a physical activity, it also has a profound impact on your mental health. When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins that help relieve your stress and boost your mood. Getting exercise each day can be as simple as taking the stairs at work or getting out for a quick 20-minute walk with your dog. Newport Medical and Wellness Center has a supervised fitness program that can help you get on the right track to physical and mental health.

  1. Eat Healthy Meals

It’s a strange phenomenon, but people with suboptimal mental health often crave the very foods that make them feel worse. Things like sugar, chips, and greasy foods may seem attractive when you’re feeling down, but they will only boost your mood for a very short period of time. For sustained mood-boosting benefits, eat healthy meals that contain complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and protein. If you’re trying to lose weight, meal replacements from Newport Medical and Wellness Center can help you make positive progress.

  1. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Too many people get insufficient sleep at night, and it is taking a heavy toll on mental health. Researchers have discovered that sleep and mental health are very closely connected and that chronic sleep deprivation can affect your state of mind. Whenever possible, get at least seven hours of sleep at night. It’s easier to achieve this goal if you set a routine for yourself and go to bed at the same time every night.

  1. Do Something for Someone Else

If you’re feeling down and can’t stop focusing on yourself, try doing something for someone else. Research shows that being helpful and kind to someone else can positively impact the way you feel about yourself. So if you’re looking for ways to enrich your life and build your self-esteem, be on the lookout for ways you can serve your fellow human beings.

  1. Be Social

People who are struggling with mental health often isolate themselves. It turns out that doing the opposite may have a positive effect on your mental state. Being social, especially with people you know well, is a great way to get a mood boost.

  1. Tell Yourself Something Positive Each Day

Did you know negativity is contagious? Science indicates that a sour attitude is much like a cold and tends to circulate in patterns. To break the cycle of negative thoughts, start each day off by telling yourself something positive. Anytime your mind fixates on something negative, actively replace the thought with a positive one.

Spring is the perfect time to focus on improving your mental health. This list of ideas isn’t comprehensive, but can get you off to a good start.

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