The human brain is a remarkable organ that functions around the clock. It never ceases to process different things, like our actions, thoughts, or emotions, often juggling them together at the same time. All this hard work can prove to be quite overwhelming, which tends to wear out our mental health and wellness.
Depression and anxiety are nothing new to us. We’ve all been through some rough patches leading to mental health deterioration, and some of us might be going through a challenging time right now amidst this virus. To help you overcome these pressing issues, I have rounded up some of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your mental health today.
1. Exercise Regularly
Exercise has many advantages, not just for your physical well-being, but also for your emotional health. Exercise activates hormones in the brain that greatly enhance your mood.
It produces chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin that boost the mood. If you exercise daily, it will reduce the tension and signs of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and help you rebound from mental health problems.
It also helps with sleep, which is extremely important for mental health. This can include walking, running, swimming, aerobics, or HIIT. All you need to do is get your body moving, and you will see the fantastic results.
2. Try Yoga
We have often heard, 'take a deep breath, calm down.' This shows how taking deep breaths is associated with making us calm. Yoga is not just a physical exercise; it's a breathing exercise as well, which helps you to relax and clear out your mind. Doing yoga regularly can help to deal with depression and anxiety.
3. Say No to Sugar
Sugar is terrible for both your mental and physical health. The 'happy hormone' or serotonin is produced in our gut, and it is what enables us to have a functional mental health status.
Consuming processed foods that are high in sugar, such as candies, sugary cereals, and carbonated beverages, can wreak havoc in your gut and hinder the production of serotonin. You are what you eat, so choose foods with minimal refined sugars. Try opting for dates or fruits if you ever feel like snacking on something sweet.
4. Follow the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet consists of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and the most important thing, fish. Following this diet would allow you to consume fatty fish such as salmon or tuna that are brimming with omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3 fatty acids are high for both physical and mental health and would help you fight off depression.
5. Get Proper Sleep
We know it must be crucial for you to meet that deadline at work, but all this hard work does more harm than good if it ruins your sleep cycle. Getting a 7 to 8-hour sleep at night is compulsory for your brain and body to function correctly and stay in good health.
Final Verdict
You can easily overcome depression and anxiety by following a more holistic approach, such as improving your daily diet and nutrition, working out, and getting enough sleep. These minor changes can make a significant impact on improving your mental health and wellness.