Increase Physical and Mental Well-being: Ways You Can Promote a Better Life
With the start of a new year, many people begin to worry about their mental health. This is not an uncommon thing! In fact, anxiety and depression are two major psychological diseases that affect more than 20% of Americans. One factor that can contribute to these conditions is stress. Stress has been shown to increase rates of anxiety and depression in individuals who experience it chronically; but with some help from others or mindful practices promoting mental health, you can alleviate the symptoms associated with stressful situations.
First, it is important to recognize that you are not alone. This seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes people who live with these conditions can feel isolated and scared of their symptoms. It’s essential for your mental health to take note when someone else makes reference to something similar happening in their lives because it helps them realize they aren’t the only ones facing this battle, which leads us into our next tip…
Second, it is key for individuals living with anxiety or depression to have an outlet available where they can talk about what has been going on without being judged or ridiculed. If one feels comfortable enough doing so, talking about troubling issues via social media platforms could prove useful if there are friends online who would be willing to listen and offer support! Additionally, talking to friends and family members can help build a support system that will be beneficial in tough times.
It is important for people to have healthy coping mechanisms for when they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. This means taking some time for yourself every day- even if it’s just five minutes! During this time, you can do something calming such as reading, listening to music, or spending time outside. Additionally, practicing mindfulness has been shown to improve mental health; so consider incorporating some type of mindfulness practice into your daily routine.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if the problems become too much to handle on your own. Often times, professionals (such as therapists) are more than willing to work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety or depression to give them the best tools for success.
It is key that individuals who are experiencing these feelings take care of themselves physically as well! This means exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, practicing good sleep hygiene by getting between seven-nine hours of sleep per night can help alleviate symptoms associated with stress. Lastly, try your best not to use drugs or alcohol excessively because this could lead to poor decision making which ultimately triggers bigger problems in life such as legal trouble or an unfulfilling career path.
