Mental Wellness: Simple Ways To Be Kind To Your Mind

A key component of wellness is mental health – from the simple steps of developing healthy coping mechanisms to mitigating stress to asking for help from a medical professional if needed. Our mind is resilient when we give it the proper tools to keep it strong. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share with you simple ways to stay kind to your mind.

PAUSE AND BREATHE 

Your ability to stop and create a moment of peace from within is key to having a strong mind. Research shows mental breaks increase productivity, improve your ability to concentrate and encourage creativity. Simple acts such as mindful breathing or short daily meditations are linked to these powerful results.

Related: The Right At-Home Wellness Therapy For You

MOVE FOR YOUR MIND 

At times, the best remedy for stress is movement. While the methods of exercise may vary, the results are quite similar when it comes to your mind. In a study of 1.2 million people within the U.S., those who exercised reported having 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health each month, compared to those who did not exercise. Those with the biggest reductions practiced team sports, cycling, aerobics, or opted for gym workouts.

SUPPLY IT WITH PROPER NUTRIENTS 

Empirical evidence is increasingly showing a strong link between your gut and mental health. A well-balanced diet that maintains the delicate balance within your gut’s microbiome is a key component to reducing stress and keeping a clear mind. Include foods with probiotics such as yogurt, aged cheese, kombucha and miso soup within your diet for a boost to your mental wellness.

CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY 

As human beings, we have an innate need to feel connected with others. The number of people may vary by person, but the need is part of who we are and what we need to feel happy. Lack of social connection can be a greater detriment to your health than obesity, smoking or high blood pressure, according to a landmark study on the matter. Strong social connections, not only increase your chances of living a long happy life, but they also strengthen your immune system. Make time to connect with friends and family. You will be helping them stay healthy as well as yourself.

Related: Try These Herbs To Boost Your Immune System

MAKE TIME FOR SLEEP 

The delicate dance between the sleep you need and your daily life can be hard to manage, but when it comes to mental health, it is a necessity. Disruptions in your sleep can lead to higher levels of anxiety and negative feelings throughout your day. By not getting those 7-9 hours, you are putting your mind and body in a state where it does not have all of the elements it needs to function properly. This is an effort that will improve your overall wellbeing and have lasting effects on your mind and body.

For more tips on mental wellness, click here.