1. Stay active
Staying active is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Regular exercise or activity can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health, relieve stress, improve memory, and help you sleep better.
2. Find purpose and Appreciate yourself
This is different for everyone but finding purpose in your day is a big factor to good mental health. You might try one of the following:
- Engage in work that makes you feel useful and happy
- Invest in relationships and spend quality time with people who matter to you and who loves and support you equally.
- Think of one good deed or gesture to do each day
- No day is same, so whether you have worked 4 hours or 18 hour a day or had a day off. At the end of the day go to bed with gratitude. Appreciate your body, your mind that runs non-stop, appreciate yourself for every little to big thing that helped you make through the day, that made you do things for others and for yourself, no matter how big or small.
3. Appeal to your senses
Does listening to an uplifting song make you feel calm? What about taking a walk in nature and enjoying the sights and sounds of the trees? Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so experiment to find what works best for you.
4. Take up a relaxation practice
Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing can help reduce overall levels of stress.
5. Eat healthy diet to support strong mental health and body
Foods that can support your mood include fatty fish rich in omega-3s, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts), avocados, beans, leafy greens (spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts), and fresh fruit such as blueberries.
6. Make leisure and contemplation a priority
We can all be guilty of being "too busy" to take some down time, but leisure time is a necessity for emotional and mental health. Take some time to relax, contemplate, and pay attention to the positive things as you go about your day — even the small things.
7. Don’t skimp on sleep
It matters more than you think. Sleep is our body and mind's best way to recharge and rejuvenate. One way to get sleep better is to take a break from the stimulation of screens — TV, phones, tablets or computers — in the hours before bedtime. Consider reading or listening to relaxing music instead.
8. Get help if you need it
Talk to a friendly face. If you have concerns, stresses or worries, sharing these with someone who cares is one of the most effective ways to calm your nervous system and relieve stress.