Positive Lifestyle Changes

If you are wondering if positive lifestyle changes could help you improve your mental health, the answer is yes. Wellness is an important part of your health, even if you are going through a difficult time.

Each of us is a whole individual, meaning our physical and metal health are related and linked. Your mental health impacts your decision making process, affects the relationships you have, and can be linked to your ability to enjoy the things you love in life. Positive lifestyle changes can help you to boost your overall wellbeing, thus improving your mental health.

Cope with Negative Emotions

Feelings of anger, frustration, and nervousness can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Occasional bouts of stress are normal, they can help you to avoid dangerous situations, but continual stress is not healthy.

To process your emotions, consider meditation, yoga, or spending time decompressing in nature. Dealing with stress and allowing your body (and mind) to have downtime is important. In the same vein, proper sleep can help with anxiety and depression. Strive to go to sleep and wake up at consistent times each day and avoid anything that could disrupt your sleep, from electronic devices in the bedroom to consuming caffeine or alcohol before bed.

Eating Well and Exercising are Positive Lifestyle Changes

Good nutrition is an important building block to your physical health and what you eat can impact your mood as well. Eat a variety of foods to get a range of nutrients, and be sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables as they can provide B vitamins to help combat depression. You’ll also want to have healthy fats in your diet, ideally from fish, poultry, nuts, and seeds.

In addition to a healthy diet, get moving! Exercise, even low impact activities, has been shown to help with mental health issues. Even walking can help to reduce depression.

Go to Counseling

There have been advancements in how mental health issues are perceived, but there is still stigma associated with reaching out and getting help from a counselor or therapist. But here’s the thing, talking through your problems with an experienced professional can be an extremely beneficial positive lifestyle change. Connecting with another person can help you to unknot what you are feeling and teach you how to move past issues, into a place of healing and strength.

For some, they can find someone to talk with within their support circle. But, many find it is helpful to talk to someone who isn’t a close friend or family, particularly if there are issues within your closest relationships you need to process. That said, a combination of speaking with a counselor and spending time with others can be best because humans are social animals. Socializing can help you to feel happier. Theses connections can happen as you participate in hobbies or take on new challenges. Try shutting off your devices, get off social media, and connect with the world around you.

Kendall Van Blarcom is a senior helping seniors. Contact Van Blarcom Consulting today for help with your personal problems. Or, reach out to provide support for an older adult in your life.

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