11 Ways to Improve Mental Health and Reclaim Your Life

11 Ways to Improve Mental Health and Reclaim Your Life

Published On: February 22, 2022

Have the last few years been tough for you? Has concern about your health and financial security left you feeling dazed? Could you use some simple tips for boosting your mental health?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, this article is for you. Take a few minutes to learn tips to improve your mental and emotional health today.

Daily Mental Health Tips

You do not have to fix your life in one day, but you must make a consistent effort. Build the following daily habits to improve your outlook:

• Focus on eating healthy food to support your nervous system and stay healthy.
• Take advantage of community resources to learn new skills.
• Practice good mental health habits like reflective journaling or relaxing meditation.
• Use a stress ball to release frustration.
• Seek professional mental health advice if you feel you cannot cope.
• Write a list of five things you are grateful for.

Good Physical Health Means Better Mental Health

Research shows that your physical well-being plays a significant role in your mental health. Family physicians, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Provincial Health Services Authority recommend the following.

• Stay physically active: Boost your mood and relieve stress by taking advantage of the mood-boosting power of exercise. It keeps you healthy, improving your self-confidence and allowing you to stay emotionally healthy.
• Get a good night’s sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep, you become irritable and less able to manage stress. Work towards getting a solid seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
• Develop good eating habits: Proper nutrition improves your mood, making it easier to handle stress and anxiety. Avoid processed meals; instead, focus on a brain-healthy diet featuring the proper balance of fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates.
• Practice deep breathing: Taking a deep breath can help you calm down and sort through complicated feelings.

Work toward a Healthy Mental Health Status

To improve your psychological well-being, learn how to promote healthy thinking. Here is how to get started.

A Positive Attitude

Most people find it easy to encourage their friends and help them through challenging times. However, when it comes to their own mental health problems, they are their own worst critic.

Happiness requires adopting good mental health practices. One such practice is to cultivate a positive attitude. Actively find ways to enjoy life at the moment instead of worrying about the future or the past.

Practice Gratitude

Focus on appreciating what you already have rather than on your craving for what you want. Noticing things that you’re grateful for cultivates contentment.

Build a Social Support Network

Humans are social beings. Therefore, they must build healthy relationships. Volunteer at a charity, attend classes on your interests, or work on repairing familial relationships for more emotional support.

When to Seek Professional Help for Mental Illness

Do you feel unable to cope? Would you like to learn more about the tools to help you navigate life’s challenges? Schedule an appointment at your local Bayridge Counselling Centre today by calling (905) 319-1488.