How to Improve Your Mental Health in 2017

Most of us make resolutions around our physical well-being, a fact that is evidenced by packed gyms and grocery carts filled with produce around this time of year. However, one facet of our health that needs to come center stage is mental well-being. Make your mental health a priority this year with these simple strategies and enjoy life to the fullest.

Practice Meditating

Meditation isn’t all mumbo jumbo—this ancient practice can provide serious health benefits that can see your mental health improving minute by minute. There are many ways to partake in this practice, and you’re apt to find something that serves as the perfect fit for your lifestyle and expectations. Whether you attend meditation seminars or download an app like Headspace, you’ll be surprised at how much just ten minutes a day can improve your overall well-being.

Go to Bed

We all know how scatterbrained we become when we don’t get a full night’s rest, and improving your mental health could be as simple as getting more shuteye every evening. Research has consistently shown that better rest can help individuals regulate their emotions and maintain a healthy outlook. If you’re having a hard time going to sleep, or sleeping too much without feeling rested, you may need to consider seeing a professional.

Keep Your Brain Moving

Consider what you can do to improve your knowledge in your career. No matter your profession or industry, there’s likely numerous ways to build upon your skillset and capabilities. If you’re in the field of accounting, take initiative and enroll in some CPA courses to expand your employment opportunities. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn more about graphic design; there’s never been a better time, as the skills inherent to graphic designers are now valuable to employers in a variety of disciplines. Consider becoming an Adobe Certified Associate to learn about Photoshop and Illustrator; these additions are sure to help you standout in job opportunities, but they’re also just plain fun to learn. Whatever your profession, you’re guaranteed to find new routes to explore, and using your brain to full capacity can help you combat stagnancy in the work place and improve your self-esteem.

Scale Back on Your Social Media

It’s nice to be able to keep up with friends and acquaintances on the various social media channels available to us, but did you realize your social media habits might be having a negative impact on your psyche? Recent research has shown that people are more susceptible to depressive feelings after scrolling through their news’ feeds. Why? Researchers suggest that we compare ourselves to others, which feeds into negative self-esteem. Take a break from your accounts, and try to cut down on how much time you spend looking through friends’ photos and videos.

Be Vocal

If you’re struggling with mental health issues, now is the time to speak up. You never know who around you may be going through similar things, and these individuals may be able to lend a helping hand or solid advice. If things are feeling like they’re too much, let someone know; you don’t need to face mental illness alone, and talking to a friend or family member, or even a health professional, about your feelings could make all the difference and see you feeling happier and healthier than ever before come next year.

Maintain an Exercise Routine

The majority of resolution makers tend to have at least one revolving around fitness, but exercise can actually have a significant impact on your mental health, as well. Regular exercise promotes the release of brain chemicals responsible for the “feel-good” sensation, including endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters, and endorphins. Numerous studies have shown that even simple walking can have a positive effect on moderate depression symptoms, so grab a new Fitbit and take your mental health one step at a time, no pun intended.

Don’t ignore your mental health this year—practice these habits and make your year more fulfilling and enjoyable with each passing day.

This is a guest blog entry.