Your mental health is just as important, if not more important, as your physical health. Mental health can be very broad and cover everything from your mood, your feelings about yourself, and how your mind functions. No matter the circumstances of your life, itโs always a good idea to give your mental health a little boost. ย
Massage
Through its many physical benefits, a massage can actually improve your mental health. A massage helps to improve your circulation and lower your heart rate. This helps your body to feel more calm and more relaxed which can help to reduce anxiety. One of the more obvious benefits of a massage is the release of tension. Stress is often manifested in pressure in various parts of the body. Massages help to work out this tension and thus relieves stress. Lastly, a massage helps to calm your mind. Your body is fully relaxed and you are more aware of what is going on around you. Having a massage regularly can help you maintain these benefits and more.
Canine Companionship
Having a canine companion can boost your mental health in many ways. First of all, most dogs are very loyal and affectionate and their company can help to reduce stress, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. Having a dog can also help you boost your health in other ways including increasing your exercise and even the amount you socialize. Overall, playing or cuddling with a dog just makes you happy. There are many dog breeds that you can consider. Poodles are wonderful companion dogs, thanks to their high level of intelligence, trainability, and people-loving nature. You could also consider pugs, which are very cuddly and affectionate dogs. Take some time to research which type of dog would be most helpful to you.
Meditate
Meditation is a practice that involves mindfulness and being aware of the present moment. While the actual practice may look different from person to person, it generally involves focusing on a certain thought, your breathing, or whatโs going on around you. Overall, it is meant to help you slow down and be aware of what is happening now. Practicing meditation can help you improve your awareness, clarity, and focus. However, it can also help to reduce stress, depression, anxiety and more. Meditation helps build positive habits and can have many benefits to your mental health if done regularly.
Exercise
Regular exercise is great for your physical health, but exercise affects your mental health as well. Exercise helps to reduce symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. One way it does this is by allowing you to release tension and work out any negative emotions. Exercise helps to reduce cortisol which is your stress hormone while increasing the โfeel-goodโ hormones endorphins. Sustained exercise can also help you see a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure as well as improved breathing. All of these results help you to be more calm. As you exercise, you can also improve confidence and some types of exercise may even help you to be more social.
Sleep
One of the best ways to improve your mental health, and your health in general, is to get good sleep. If you arenโt getting enough sleep it can have a major impact on your mental health and there are links between lack of sleep and stress, depression, and anxiety. Sleep is very important and there are several ways you can improve your sleep. First of all, you should try to fall asleep at the same time every night and create a nightly routine. Part of your routine should include avoiding screens and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bed. You also want to make sure you only reserve your bed for sleeping and relaxing. This way your body associates your bed with sleep. One way to improve sleep quality is to make sure your room is dark, quiet, and cool so you can sleep comfortably.
Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a very common method for improving mental health. By consciously acknowledging the things in your life you are grateful for, you allow yourself to see more positivity in your life. Recognizing your blessings helps you to feel good in the moment, but it can also have long term benefits. For example, when you begin expressing gratitude more you begin to see more positive things in your life which in turn leads to you having even more to be grateful for. Overall, it begins to change your perspective. There are many ways you can incorporate gratitude into your life. You can have a gratitude journal or you can make a list every day. Find an effective way you can express gratitude regularly.
Nutrition
While you might think diet and nutrition falls squarely under physical health, what you eat actually has quite an impact on your mental health. First of all, when you eat well you just feel better. A balanced diet gives you all the nutrients your body needs so everything functions properly. Certain foods can also increase hormones in your brain that improve mood, increase alertness, and even relax you. For example, protein rich foods can increase dopamine in the brain. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet. Along with food, make sure you keep your body well hydrated.
Socialize
Humans are not meant to be left alone, so itโs important that you make time to be with other people. Socializing can help to decrease feelings of loneliness as well as improve your mood. It can also help to improve brain function due to the use of memory and cognitive function while socializing. While being around people is helpful in general, it also gives you an opportunity to talk about your struggles. Vocalizing your hardships and talking them out with others can help to unload your own burden and you can discover new solutions to problems by listening to others.
Your mental health is very important, as it impacts you in your daily life. There are many ways you can boost your mental health, so itโs best you take advantage of them. Establishing positive mental health habits now can help you when things get hard later.
Massage therapy is a great way to relax from the stresses of life. Schedule a massage with us today!
