4 Self-Care Tips That Will Benefit Your Mental Health
Written by: Courtney Rosenfeld
Is your mental load heavy? Self-care will help you deal with the stressors in your daily life as well as keep you physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. Here, we give you four simple tips that will benefit your mental health:
Get Enough Sleep
Most people don’t get the recommended amount of shut-eye they need at night, and this chronic lack of sufficient sleep often leads to moodiness, brain fog, fatigue, and even depression. So start making sleep a priority by going to bed at the same time each night. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol too close to bedtime. Turn off your electronics at least an hour before going to bed, and make your bedroom a relaxing sanctuary. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow, and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Some people like sleeping with a fan on or a white noise machine; whatever you prefer, make sure you stay consistent with your bedtime routine to enjoy the benefits of restorative sleep.
Avoid Sugary Snacks
If sugar-laden cakes, candy bars, sodas, and caffeinated beverages are your go-to for a quick pick-me-up, consider the effect they can have on your physical and mental health. Too much sugar in your diet can lead to dizziness, give you headaches, and even lead to depression and anxiety as well as fatigue when the sugar rush is over. Instead, opt for healthier snacks like fruits and veggies that will boost your energy and vitality, nuts like pistachios, almonds, and cashews to improve your cerebral functions, and yogurt to lift up your mood. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking alkaline water: research suggests that it’s more efficient at rehydrating your body after exercise than regular water and that it can help you get a better night’s rest, which means you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed the next morning.
Ease Your Financial Worries
Worrying about money and finances can cause a great deal of stress. Consolidating your debt and improving your credit score are two ways to help you regain your financial footing. So if you own your own home and you need to free up cash, consider refinancing and getting a better interest rate as well as reducing your mortgage payments. You can also decrease your money worries by starting an emergency fund if you don’t already have one. You should have sufficient funds stashed away in case of an unexpected event such as a job loss, an accident, appliances or vehicles breaking down, etc. So start setting aside a little bit of your paycheck each month, putting it in an account that can’t be accessed with your debit card. And with automatic deposits, you won’t be tempted to use it before a real emergency happens.
Make Time for Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins in your brain and those neurochemicals help release stress and give your mood a boost. So even during the busy seasons of your life, make sure to incorporate some form of exercise during your day. If you need ideas for fun and fast fitness sessions, try a 10-minute Pilates workout that will do wonders for your core and posture. All you need is a yoga mat! No expensive or bulky equipment is necessary as you’ll be using your own body weight for each exercise. And to add a little extra cardio to your life, you can also make walks or jogs part of your daily routine and take stairs instead of elevators whenever possible.
Taking care of yourself and improving your mental health can be achieved through simple lifestyle changes. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals, and stay hydrated. And adding some simple and fun exercises to your daily routine will boost your mood and energy levels!
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