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Do you sense your mental health is declining? Are you not feeling as cheery or motivated as you once were? Well, guess what? You’ve come to the right place. We are about to give you four valuable tips to help you improve your mental health to be the best it can be. Let’s dive in!
1. Make Yourself a Priority
Are you often too busy or tired to relax and do something you actually enjoy? You may be studying or working too hard, or perhaps you don’t stop to notice what your body needs. Have you had a calm moment to simply breathe and unwind? Did you eat enough today? Did you drink enough water? Be honest, you probably didn’t, but we care about you, so listen up.
Neglecting self-care is detrimental to mental health. Research shows that what we eat affects not only our mood but also how we think. Exercise and adequate sleep are equally vital. If you’re watching this late at night, take these tips to heart and call it a night. Your mental health will thank you tomorrow—promise!
2. Create Positive Thoughts
Are you aware of your thoughts? You might say, “Of course, I know what I’m thinking,” but do you stop to evaluate if your thoughts are positive or negative? According to a 2020 study from Queen’s University, the average human has around 6,200 thoughts per day. Another study found that 80% of these are negative, and 95% are repetitive.
Here’s the kicker: Cornell University researchers found that 85% of what we worry about never happens, and 79% of people said that challenges taught them valuable lessons. So, stop and reflect. Are your thoughts productive? Would you say the same thing to a friend seeking comfort? Treat yourself like your best friend and nurture positive thoughts.
3. Say What You Feel
Expressing your emotions can significantly reduce their intensity. A UCLA brain imaging study showed that verbalizing feelings like sadness or anger reduces activity in the amygdala—the brain’s fear center. Labeling emotions activates the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, which helps us process emotions.
So, talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or even yourself. Writing in a journal is another great way to process emotions. Putting your feelings into words has powerful and positive effects on mental health.
4. Be Compassionate to Others
A little compassion goes a long way. Research from psychologists Ed Diener and Martin Seligman shows that altruism improves mental and physical health while accelerating recovery from disease. Additionally, studies by Naomi Eisenberger at UCLA found that providing support to others reduces stress and activates brain areas associated with rewards.
Reach out to a family member or friend, donate to charity, or volunteer. Not only will you brighten someone else’s day, but you’ll also uplift your own spirits in the process.
Final Thoughts
Will you use these tips? Did you find them helpful? Are you going to drink more water? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’re here to listen and support you. Remember, seeking professional help is always a good idea if you’re struggling to manage your mental health.
