May is Mental Health Awareness month. At iStratus, we specialize in helping you simplify your life through our 6-in-1 app. But did you know that we are big fans of self-care as well? That’s right. One of our favorite ways to use the app is to schedule our exercise, our meals, and even our downtime. Now, we are going to share 10 mental health self-care tips to help you make your mental health a priority.
1. Get enough sleep
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. Consider going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm. If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, consider changing the environment. Add a white noise machine. Close your shades to make the room darker. Turn down the temperature or add a fan. Do whatever it takes to get to sleep.
2. Eat healthy
Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. One of the ways we use the iStratus app to help with this is by tracking our food. Especially the last meal of the day. We found that certain foods made sleeping more difficult. Now we avoid those foods before bedtime.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining mental health and well-being. Keep in mind that even a relaxing 30-minute walk can help. Don’t think you have to get a gym membership, buy fancy spandex outfits, or invest in a coach. Nope. All you need to do is go for a walk.
4. Take breaks
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a walk outdoors. In our last post, we wrote about meditation. Spending a few minutes of your break to meditate might be just what you need.
5. Connect with loved ones
Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and promote positive mental health. Whether you stay in touch via text, social media, or in person, quality time with those you care about is crucial for a healthy mind. And might we suggest you avoid those energy vampires. You know the ones who suck the energy right out of a room. You deserve people who lift you up, not tear you down.
6. Do something you enjoy
Make time for activities that make you happy. This could include hobbies, listening to music, playing sports, or anything else that brings joy into your life. Not sure what you love, start being adventurous, and try new activities until you hit exactly the thing for you. It might surprise you. Underwater basket weaving, anyone?
7. Volunteer
Helping others has been shown to improve mental health and overall satisfaction with life. Find a cause that is important to you and consider giving your time to make a difference. We recently met a lovely lady at Charity Connect who pairs people with the charity that makes their souls happy. If an organized volunteer position doesn’t suit you, look around. Find someone who needs your help. You might be surprised to find the number of people who are just dying for an extra set of hands to help with handyman work, grocery shopping, or mowing the lawn.
8. Reduce stress
Stress can have a negative impact on mental health. Identify activities that help you relax and make an effort to incorporate them into your daily routine. This could include yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. It could also be singing, dancing, or even just saying no to some of the things that are overwhelming you. Remember, you are worth it.
9. Seek professional help
If you are struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help. Therapy can be an extremely effective way to address mental health concerns and promote wellbeing. If you had a sore throat or a fever, you would go to the doctor. Mental health is health. It’s okay to seek help.
10. Take care of your physical health
Physical health and mental health are interconnected. Make sure to schedule regular checkups with your doctor and get adequate exercise and rest. By taking care of your physical health, you are also taking care of your mental health.
Mental health month is only one-twelfth of the year. Don’t let it be the only time you make your mental health a priority. You deserve to be taken care of.