Managing Your Mental Health

If you took a second to search for articles and guides about health and healthy living, you’d find hundreds of links. The vast majority would probably be devoted to physical health. The definition of health covers physical, mental and social wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple ways you can manage your mental health. 

 

Embrace self-care

Self-care is a buzzword, but it’s nothing new. The art of self-care simply involves looking after your body and mind and being proactive in trying to protect yourself and enhance happiness and health. Try to make your health a priority and ensure you devote enough energy and attention to taking good care of yourself. Make sure that you get enough rest, try to eat well and exercise regularly. If you experience sleep troubles, change your evening regime and get into the habit of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Give yourself at least 6-7 hours to sleep and recharge your batteries. Regular exercise can aid sleep, and it’s also wise to cut out caffeine in the evenings and to ensure that your bedroom is dark, quiet and serene. 

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Exercise and the outdoors

We often think of exercise as a powerful remedy for physical health, but it can also be a hugely effective tonic for mental wellbeing. When you exercise frequently, you’ll build muscle and improve circulation and endurance, but you’ll also notice a difference in your mood and outlook. When you move your body, this triggers a series of actions, including the release of happy hormones, known as endorphins, and a spike in the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Exercise can help to reduce stress levels, it enables you to express and manage emotions, and it’s also cathartic. Being outside is also proven to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. 

 

Treatments and advice

Most people wouldn’t hesitate to see their doctor if they had a problem, such as chest pain or recurrent headaches, but the same rules don’t apply to mental health. We tend to be more reluctant to seek advice and be open about our symptoms. It is critical to understand that there is help and support available if you are struggling with a mental health disorder. From techniques to help you manage anxiety or depression to opiate rehab programs, mental health therapies cover a wide range of issues, providing help for people from all walks of life with support and professional advice. The hardest part is often reaching out. If you can muster the courage to do this, you’re taking a huge step in the right direction. 

 

Positive relationships

One of the most effective self-help techniques you can employ for better mental health is surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good. Increase the amount of time you spend with friends and family members who lift you up, make you happy and support you and sever ties with those who bring you down. 

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We all have mental health, and we can all be taking steps to protect ourselves and enjoy good health and happiness. Try to ensure that you prioritize mental health. Small changes can make a big difference.

Simple Ways To Supercharge Your Confidence

Most of us go through stages when our confidence levels fall. If you have low self-esteem, it can be difficult to build your confidence up, but there are solutions. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple steps you can take to supercharge your self-confidence. 

Active lifestyles

Confidence and healthy living often go hand in hand. We tend to think about exercise as a means of toning the muscles and boosting heart health, but it also has incredible benefits for mental wellbeing. When you work out, or you go for a hike, a bike ride, or a swim, for example, your body releases endorphins, known as happy hormones, and the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain increase. Being more active can help to reduce stress and anxiety, lift your mood and clear your head if you’re busy at work or you have a lot on your plate. Exercise can also be beneficial for body image, particularly if you’re keen to lose weight, gain muscle or streamline your silhouette. 

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-running-2824020/

 

Revamping your style

Many of us have found ourselves in a style rut at least once in our lifetimes. If you’ve had the same haircut for years, you’ve given up going to the salon to freshen up your roots or you wear the same jeans and t-shirt combinations every day, it’s time to spend a little time on yourself and revamp your style and image. Treat yourself to a new cut and color, add a few pieces to your wardrobe, visit a beauty counter and buy some new makeup or skincare products, or get the piercing or tattoo you’ve been thinking about getting for a while. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make yourself look and feel amazing. From eyebrow piercing jewelry and highlights in your hair to a new outfit or a touch of color for your lips or eyes, simple touches can make all the difference. 

 

Positive relationships

The relationships we have with other people can make or break us in terms of confidence and self-esteem. Try to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good. Don’t feel pressured to spend time with anyone who puts you down or makes you feel worthless. Always prioritize quality over quantity when building your social circle. Keep true friends close and distance yourself from people who have a negative impact on your mental health. 

 

Taking time out

We live our lives at a hundred miles per hour today, and sometimes, we have so much going on that we don’t have time to work on and take care of ourselves. Try to schedule downtime and time out for hobbies and interests, socializing, and doing activities that help you to relax or make you feel alive. From hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing to baking, drawing, painting, reading, playing tennis, or doing yoga, it’s so beneficial to take time out for yourself. 

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/yoga-asana-pose-hatha-woman-girl-2959226/

 

Increasing your confidence levels can be challenging, but there are ways to supercharge your self-esteem. Look after yourself, take time out, surround yourself with positive people, treat yourself to a style revamp and try to be more active.