Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each May. Mental health plays a huge role in your overall health and well-being. It affects everything, including how you think, feel and act, and helps determine how you make healthy choices and cope with stress. Because it’s such a crucial component of your wellness, focusing on maintaining or improving your mental health is important.
Here are five ways to boost or prioritize your mental health every day:
Express gratitude. Taking five minutes daily to write down the things you are grateful for has been proven to lower stress levels and can help you achieve a more positive mindset.
Get moving. Exercising regularly can benefit your brain function, reduce anxiety and improve your self-image.
Spend time outdoors. Getting outside, especially when it’s sunny, can greatly improve your mood, which benefits your mental health.
Be kind. Helping others and being kind not only helps the recipient, but can also benefit your mental health. Simply holding the door for someone or giving a compliment can go a long way.
Get a good night’s sleep. Fatigued individuals typically experience drowsiness, mood changes, loss of energy and appetite, headaches, and a lack of motivation, concentration and alertness. Strive for seven to eight hours a night!
