We know life can sometimes be overwhelming, and you may not always feel your best. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, here are some tips to help you relax, recharge, and boost your mental health today.

1) Take Time to Unwind

While it may seem counterintuitive to take time to relax when your to-do list is a mile long, studies show that taking time to decompress can actually make you more productive in the long run. A 2011 study conducted by the University of Illinois found that even taking short breaks from a task can help you better focus on that task for prolonged periods. So if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, step back and take a breather – it will benefit both your sense of well-being and your productivity.

2) Reach Out to A Loved One

It’s no secret that our relationships have a huge impact on our lives. A long-term study conducted by Harvard University found that a huge predictor of a person’s long-term happiness is the quality of one’s relationships. So if you’re feeling down, try catching up with a friend or loved one, it may benefit both of you in the long run.

3) Eat the Right Foods

Maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial to your body’s health, but it can also benefit your mind as well. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals will help you feel your best and give you the energy and focus you need to handle whatever life throws your way. Eating certain foods like salmon, nuts, and cheese have even been shown to boost serotonin levels and fend off feelings of anxiety and depression.

4) Move Your Body

We all know that physical activity is great for our bodies, but the endorphins released during exercise are great for our minds as well. You don’t have to jump into an intense workout routine right off the bat to reap the benefits either, just 30 minutes of activity a day is usually enough for most people. Focus on finding an activity you really enjoy and then try to work it into your routine as often as you can. You’ll start to see the improvements in both your mood and your physical health in no time.

5) Plan a Trip

You don’t have to spend a lot or stray very far from home — a staycation can sometimes be exactly what the doctor ordered. What matters most is having something to look forward to and breaking up the monotony of everyday life to give yourself a new perspective. Plan a weekend stay at a local hotel or even a short road trip to a cool spot in your state, as long as it gets you out of the house and experiencing something new! Just make sure you’re still recognizing COVID-19 safety guidelines, wearing a mask, social distancing when possible, and of course, washing your hands!

6) Start Journaling

Keep a notebook and make it a habit to jot down a few of your thoughts and goals each day. Journaling can help you keep track of your own behavioral and thought patterns as well as give you a way to work through your emotions in a healthy way.

7) Give Back to Your Community

If you have some free time, try finding a new way to give back to your community. Volunteering at your local animal shelter or food pantry, or even just gathering up donations to share with others in your community can go a long way toward boosting your confidence and overall sense of well-being. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University even found that volunteering for 200 hours per year was correlated to lower blood pressure.

8) Get in Contact with a Counselor

Simply having someone to talk to about what’s on your mind can have a positive impact on your sense of well-being. A professional counselor will be able to provide an objective view of your situation that a friend or family member perhaps cannot provide. These days, counseling services are available both in-person and online so you don’t even have to leave your home to reap all the benefits of therapy.

SOURCES:
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/5-ways-to-relax-and-boost-productivity

Good genes are nice, but joy is better


https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/foods-that-could-boost-your-serotonin#turkey
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428