Managing mental health can be challenging, especially when you are feeling low; however, there are ways to make it less so.
Further information
To look further into how to boost your mental health, this guardian article may prove useful.
Ways to boost your mental health
This may sound strange but try yawning. There have been studies that say yawning helps boost alertness and efficiency alongside cooling the brain.
Sinking into a warm, relaxing bath can work wonders. This is especially true when you add Epsom salts, as they are known to ease aches, help with sleep, and can even increase your magnesium levels.
Writing things down can be cathartic. Putting your thoughts on paper may make them feel less overwhelming, particularly when you are going through something difficult, as it can ease depression symptoms.
Looking into ways to manage your mental health on a more in-depth level can also help. Mental health training courses Swansea, Milton Keynes, or wherever you may be located are available from companies such as tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/swansea.
Spend some quality time with your pet, or someone else’s if you don’t have one. Being around animals has been proven to lower stress hormones and stimulate feelings of joy. If you don’t know anyone with a pet, you can always volunteer at a shelter.
Meal and outfit prep can be helpful, particularly when dealing with depression. It will save you time, take a few daily chores off your plate, and provide some control and organisation for the days ahead.
Find a way to work omega-3 into your meal plan, as omega-3 is linked to lowered rates of both schizophrenia and depression. Supplements can also work as an alternative option, but eating omega-3 in foods such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds will help you build healthy gut bacteria.
Spend time with friends and family. This can be done by going to the park, watching a movie, or even just spending quiet time together. People are much more likely to be happier on days when they spend six hours with loved ones.
FAQ
Can yawning really help boost your mental health?
It’s been reported that yawning increases alertness and efficiency and that it can help cool the brain. So, it’s worth a try when you’re feeling low. It’s a simple thing to do, and can be used in conjunction with other simple behaviours such as taking a warm bath, or writing down your thoughts.
Why add Epsom salts to a relaxing bath?
Epsom salts can help with aching muscles and with sleep. The salts can also increase the amount of magnesium in your body. So a warm relaxing bath on its own can be wonderful for your body and rest but adding salts to the bath can give you even more benefits.
Which foods contain omega-3 and why does it matter for mental health?
Salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds are examples of foods that are high in omega-3. Omega-3 has been linked to a reduced risk of schizophrenia and depression. It can also help create healthy gut bacteria. You can get omega-3 through food or take it as a supplement.
How does spending time with pets help your mental health?
Not only have animals been shown to decrease stress hormones and increase positive feelings in humans, but even those without pets can reap similar benefits. So whether you have a furry friend at home or not, there are plenty of ways to spend time with animals that can lift your mood. Why not ask a friend if they’d be happy for you to look after their pet for the day? Alternatively, consider visiting your local animal shelter and volunteering to help the animals there.