Five pieces of mental health advice you will find useful

A good life really boils down to lifestyle. How well you take care of your body through exercise, sleep and proper diet will have a positive or negative effect.

Likewise, how you view yourself, situations and the world at large will determine how well you cope with stress, pain and misfortunes life throws at you.

With a positive mindset, you are able to deal with challenges much better as you are prepared. Think of it like an emotional investment you have set aside for bad times when you can cash it out and use it to get through whatever you’re experiencing.

To work towards that healing path here are a few tips you will find useful for your mental health.

i.Eat

Food isn’t just important for your physical health but mental too. When you’re low in iron and certain vitamins, this can have an effect on your mood.

Your brain works better when you consume fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Go easy on sugar due to the highs and lows it comes with once the quick burst of energy has been used up.

No matter how bad your situation may be, do not be tempted to drown your sorrows with alcohol. The feelings of sadness, anxiety and stress will still be present and will become much difficult to deal with in the long run.

ii.Laugh

I know this might be the last thing you may want to do especially if you just received some bad news or you’re going through a life changing problem.

But at the end of the day, you will eventually have to get out of that dump and what better way to distract your mind than a good laugh? If you find yourself breaking down or zoning out, it is fine. Go with the flow and let it out.

Before you know it, you will start feeling better. Every time you break into laughter your brain releases dopamine making you feel happy.

So, whether it’s that friend who cheers you up or that comedy you have been wanting to watch, go ahead and give it a try. This is a good way to distract your mind and bring in some healing.

iii.Sleep

When you’re well rested you are able to deal with stress, concentrate and think clearly. This is because sleep helps to regulate transition of information by regulating certain chemicals.

Lack of enough sleep can lead to anxiety, depression and mood swings. If you find yourself being unproductive, unable to stay focused or remember small details, you are not sleeping enough.

Do not be tempted to cut down on your sleeping hours for whatever reason. You need to sleep enough based on your own body needs. Forget the advice you read online about the six hours of sleep adults need but rather listen to your body.

If you find yourself feeling sleepy during the day chances are you have not slept enough. Give your body and mind the time it needs to rest.

iv.Bask

If you can’t get enough sunshine where you are, this could be a good reason for a well-deserved holiday break to a tropical island somewhere in the Maldives or the white sandy beaches in Zanzibar.

According to studies, vitamin D is crucial for our bodies and brain. An hour of sunlight will have a great effect on how you feel. This is because vitamin D stimulates the brain to release endorphins and serotonin which help improve your moods and emotions.

v.Treat yourself

Sometimes all you need to feel better is to do something nice for yourself. Spare some time to engage in activities you enjoy like swimming, painting, soaking up or just sitting down over a cup of hot chocolate and a novel.

Research shows that if we don’t do things we enjoy we end up becoming moody, unhappy and very irritable.

And yes, you can also get yourself that chocolate bar you have been eyeing over the candy aisle. Dark chocolate has flavonoids and theobromine which work together to improve your mental alertness.