5 Simple habits to improve your mental health

People often put a majority of their focus on physical health while putting mental well-being on the back burner. Unfortunately, this can lead to unhappiness and an unsatisfying quality of life. To make the most of your everyday existence, it’s important to take care of your overall health in a holistic manner, which includes putting a focus on your mental and emotional needs. Here are a few habits for mental health that you can incorporate into your wellness routine.

1. Start your day on a positive note

Rather than reaching for your electronic device to check your social media accounts or jumping right in the shower to start your day, take some time to begin on the right foot with a few minutes just for you. Here are a few examples of things you can do for an uplifting boost:

Give yourself some positive affirmations
Read a chapter of a book you’ve been wanting to finish
Enjoy a verse from your Bible or devotional
Relax, meditate or envision a positive outcome for your day

The mood you’re in when you start your daily grind can dramatically impact how you feel throughout the remainder of the day, so make sure to start it out on a positive note. Just be sure not to let your mind wander to the tasks ahead, and make the moment just about you.

2. Enjoy nature

Research has shown that spending time in nature has a positive effect on mood[1]. Whether you just take time to sit outside in a natural environment or take a hike through the woods, being outside surrounded by natural elements provides a boost that can help to clear your mind and ease the worries of the day. While visiting a national park or other vast areas of nature can have the most dramatic impact, you may not have access readily available in your area. Metro Parks and gardens are great alternatives.

If you’re extremely limited on access to nature, such as in an urban setting, or if the weather doesn’t permit getting outside, the same research shows that you can enjoy similar positive benefits to improve mental wellbeing inside of your own home. Look up pictures of stunning environments that you may not be able to visit in person, and surround yourself with natural sounds, such as birds chirping, a running stream, or even rainfall. You can even find videos that show beautiful scenery with relaxing music that can provide you with the same mood-uplifting benefits of being out in nature.

3. Take your vitamins

Getting adequate nutrition is vital when you want to improve mental health. In fact, research has shown that a healthy, balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet offers substantial protection against depression[2]. If you don’t eat as well as you should, you’re not alone as it’s a common problem in this country. That’s why there is a multitude of supplements available that can fill in the gaps of a poor diet.

However, it can be confusing to know which supplements you really need compared to those that would be just a waste of money since you may not need the boost every day. Additionally, supplements take time to work and build up in the system because they must pass through the digestive tract where only a fraction are actually used. And it’s possible to overdose on certain nutrients when taken through supplements.

IV vitamin therapy may be a great choice for those times when you need a quick pick-me-up. After speaking with a consultant at the infusion facility, they can determine the combination that would best fit in with your diet and lifestyle, so you’ll get just the nutrients you need to feel better fast.

4. Get into real life

While social media serves its purpose and is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family who don’t live nearby, it has its downside as well. Studies have shown that people may develop a poor body image[3] or are more likely to experience a lower mood[4] based on the information they see on social media. A lot of this is because you may be likely to compare your everyday life with what you see others post. Seeing the highlights of someone’s day or vacation can make you feel like your life is dull in comparison.

Remind yourself that not everything you see or read on social media is the entire picture. Even the most prominent influencers spend the majority of their days in a similar way as you. Additionally, with all of the filters and photo-altering software available for general use, the images you see may not be even close to reality. In the same manner, people you chat with can portray themselves in any way they choose, or you may be tempted to pretend to be someone you’re not in an effort to gain attention. While the interactions may feel good or even exciting at the moment, once they’re over, you’re more likely to feel emptier and more depressed than before.

Instead of immersing yourself in the fake world of social media, step away from your devices and get into the real world. If you have trouble making friends, learn how to be a good friend first. Enroll in group classes, such as exercise or those related to a hobby, where you can interact with people on a more satisfying and personal level.

5. Make time to improve mental wellbeing

Mental health may not have been a priority in your life, so it’s time to make it one. If you’re one of those people who have every minute of your day scheduled, it’s time to do the same for activities that will improve mental health as well. Taking even 10 minutes to relax and avoid tasks that involve performance can do wonders to refresh your mind. These moments that are just for yourself should be scheduled in the morning, at least once during the day, and in the evening before bed.

You’re likely to take breaks during the day already, but what do you do during this time? If you’re spending the time on social media or planning for more activities, can you really consider it a break? Instead, find something to do just for yourself or do absolutely nothing at all while letting your mind wander to positive thoughts and images.

When you’re taking this time for yourself, don’t let your mind wander to your next task and what you want to accomplish throughout this day or the next. It may be difficult at first, but with persistence, it can become a habit. Focus on the here and now, feel you’re breathing and the sensations you’re experiencing. Living in the moment is a great way to ground yourself and keep your mood positive.

Once you start putting a focus on your mental wellbeing, you’re likely to find it easier to get your other tasks done while enjoying your life to its fullest.

Are you interested in IV vitamin therapy?

IV infusion clinics can be found all over the country. If you’re in a highly-populated area, you might have several to choose from. Make sure the clinic you choose has certified medical professionals on hand and that they can answer any questions you may have. MD Infusions is ready to assist if you’re in the Chicagoland area. You can visit the location, call, email, or submit an inquiry for a free consultation to find out how IV vitamin therapy can become one of your beneficial habits for mental health.

References

[1] Joye, Y. & Bolderdijk, J.W. (2015 January 28). An exploratory study into the effects of extraordinary nature on emotions, mood, and prosociality. Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01577/full

[2] Low, D. MD. (2010 March/April). The role of nutrition in mental health. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 16(2), 42. https://addictiondomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/The-role-of-Vitamins-in-mental-health.pdf

[3] Fardouly, J., Deidrichs, P.C., Vartinian, L. R. * Halliwell, E. (2015 March). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image. 13, 38-45.

[4] Aalbers, G., McNally, R.J., Heeren, A., de Wit, S. & Eiko, I. (2019 August). Social media and depression symptoms: A network perspective. Journal of Experimental Psychology. 148(8), 1454-62. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2018-61357-001