We live in a fast-paced world where change is constant. Life throws a couple of fastballs on our way, and we find ourselves overcoming most of it. However, there are times we might see ourselves struggling to keep up.
Difficult times, stress, anxiety, worries, and struggles are some of the common things we experience daily. Managing these feelings is essential in maintaining a healthy disposition in life, but that’s easier said than done.
While it is also important to take the initiative to help ourselves during the process, there are times we might need help to point us in the right direction. Before it comes to that, here are a few things we can do to improve our mental health during stressful times.
MORNING ROUTINES
A morning routine is a good way to set the tone for our day, and starting our day right with a positive mindset can have a big impact on the day ahead.
Showing importance to ourselves first thing in the morning, instead of going over our phones and visiting our virtual life through our social media accounts can have a positive impact on our day, early doors. Think about things we should be grateful about and allow ourselves to indulge in positive emotions.
Promoting self-worth is the first step to naturally improve mental health while we are in the middle of a stressful time. You can write something in a journal or express your feelings to your loved ones and yourself the moment you wake up.
Read: 8 expert-approved ways to become a morning person
GIVE SLEEP A CHANCE
There are times when you get easily annoyed or angry over trivial matters, and that usually points towards you not having enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep not only affects your mood but your overall outlook in your life.
Aside from the mental and emotional effects, sleeping promotes repair in your body, and helps you deal with your everyday life. That’s why having a quality good night’s sleep offers an additional cushion when it comes to dealing with stress.
Nurturing a comfortable sleeping environment conducive to rest is essential, too. This can involve ensuring that the temperature is just right in your bedroom, making sure light isn’t too intrusive, and even considering your bed itself, with comfortable sheets and even a weighted blanket both beneficial to quality sleep.
As the guys at weighted blanket USA company Hush Blankets tell us, ‘’Weighted blankets use Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) Stimulation or Deep Pressure Therapy. It may sound fancy, but it just refers to any form of deep pressure that’s exerted equally across the body.’’
They continue; ‘’When you get DTP, your breathing slows down. That causes your heart rate to slow, too. Then, your brain releases serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical that adds to feelings of well-being and happiness.’’
And that sounds like just the ticket to us.
START GETTING ENOUGH EXERCISE
The right exercise routine can bring great wonders not only for our bodies, but can also for our mental capacity. Exercise increases our blood circulation, which helps certain areas of our brain to function better.
Areas such as the amygdala and hippocampus hold crucial roles in handling our mood and our overall response to stress. The endorphins – which are known as the body’s feel-good hormones – play a critical role in our everyday motivation, and taking care of the places where endorphins come from is important to help manage stress.
We don’t need to over-sweat ourselves in demanding, strenuous exercise. In fact, a typical moderate-intensity exercise routine would be more than enough to improve our mood. On the other hand, high-intensity interval training may increase stress levels and add inflammation to our bodies.
Normal rhythmic exercises such as swimming, running, cycling, and walking for 15 to 30 minutes at least three times weekly over a span of 10 weeks or more could provide us clarity and a calm mind during tough times.
GET HELP FROM SOMEONE PROFESSIONAL
Mental health is an integral part of our lives, and we must do what we can to maintain it. Unfortunately, for many people, seeking out professional help is seen as a last resort. But doesn’t have to be (nor should it) be the case.
Professional services can be highly effective in improving your mental health, should you approach them with the right attitude. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you need some extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. As the guys at The Awareness Centre tell us, seeking out professional help is often the first step on the road to recovery. We couldn’t agree more.
Should face-to-face, one-on-one therapy be prohibitively expensive or geographically unworkable, then there are various telehealth services that have gained traction since the pandemic. These usually see a health professional provide counselling, therapy or treatment remotely, and can be a useful alternative to traditional appointments.
EATING HEALTHY
Our brain is one of the busiest organs in our body. It is only right to take extra care of our brain and keep it functioning at a steady rate. To do that, we need the right fuel for the job.
A well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for proper cognitive function. Meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats are more than enough to cover that ground.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
Humans are social creatures at heart, and having social support during difficult phases of our lives is a great thing to have. Being surrounded by trusted friends and family improves our emotional well-being and our feeling of self-worth.
Aside from the mental and emotional support you get from good people in your life, it also opens up new avenues for creating positive experiences and memories.
TAKE DEEP BREATHS
When life seems to be going too fast for you, take your time to stop and take deep breaths. It may be a simple trick, but it does amazing things to your brain.
Meditation also works wonders for your mind and body. It helps you to focus more during stressful situations and relieves anxiety to a certain degree. Start practising slow, deep, even breaths, and you’ll immediately feel the difference.