There has been lots of news in the media lately about how mental health problems are rising in most countries across the world. This means there has been an increased awareness among the general population over how people can maintain a healthy mind during times of distress. It helps that a lot is being done to destigmatize those who are suffering from mental health problems. Yet there is also a lot that you can do when you are feeling both great and unwell, which will keep you from falling into dark places. If you are struggling to find some reliable tips, take note of some important advice.
Avoid dangerous substances
While there are many foods and drink that can help maintain good mental health, there are also many substances that you should limit yourself to or completely cut out. Those like caffeine and alcohol are good for you when consumed in moderation, but it is wise to stay away from drugs. This can not only lead to your mental health problems worsening, but you may also develop an addiction. If you feel yourself developing an addiction, you should reach out to a reliable addiction recovery center to see how they can help.
Live a balanced lifestyle
It is no secret that eating well and exercising regularly can keep your body in great shape and boost your immune system. However, living such a lifestyle has some wonderful knock-on effects for your brain health. When you exercise, the endorphins that are released can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression – both in the short term and the long term. When combined with a diet rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants, you are feeding your mind everything it needs to help you tackle issues like depression and extreme fatigue.
Ask for help
When you are in times of distress, it can be easy to feel as though you are alone in your struggles. Although asking for help can feel like a weakness, it is, in fact, one of the strongest decisions you can make. When you have lots of concerned family and friends around you, they will always want to do what they can to ensure you get back to being your best self. If you have a smaller support network, you can always ask for help from health professionals or local support groups, who are there to help you in any way they can.
Make time for yourself
In the modern world, many mental health problems are caused by stress and worry over their daily lives. Whether it’s a busy job or a chain of stressful events, you may find that you have little time to yourself to do the activities you love. Ideally, you should try and make half an hour each day at least for you to take a step back and focus on yourself. It could be to indulge in your favorite movie or to catch up on some missed sleep, but this time is vital if you want to see an improvement in your mental wellbeing.