Data shows that around 1 in 5 adults experience mental health disorders in the US every year. Mental illness has become more prevalent. Despite a shift towards being more open about mental health, many of us still think solely of our bodies when setting health goals. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple steps you can follow to take better care of your mental well-being.
Get enough sleep
It sounds straightforward, but studies show that over a third of US adults don’t get enough sleep. Making sure your body gets the rest it needs is one of the most crucial pillars of good mental and physical health. Experts recommend around 7 hours of sleep per night for over 18s. If you have difficulty sleeping, or you don’t get enough sleep, it’s wise to implement self-help techniques. Examples include establishing an evening routine, setting a consistent bedtime, taking time to relax before going to bed, and avoiding stressors. One of the most common problems now is going to bed with a phone and reading emails, checking messages and scrolling. Keep tech out of your bedroom. It’s also beneficial to ensure your bedroom is a tranquil, calming environment. Opt for soft lighting and soothing colors and add coziness with soft furnishings.
Tackle mild stress
Mild stress can develop into more serious and complex issues. It’s beneficial to tackle mild stress to prevent more severe symptoms. Using self-help methods, you can prevent stress and learn to manage minor symptoms effectively. Examples include doing regular exercise, using CBD edibles, meditating, taking time out from work, taking up hobbies, and devoting more time to activities you enjoy and people you love. If you’re trying CBD to ease stress or anxiety or help you sleep for the first time, seek advice from your doctor. It’s important to find the right products and follow dosage instructions.
Embrace outdoor activities
Outdoor activities check several boxes when it comes to boosting mental health. Being outside and doing physical activity energize you and lift your mood, while nature has a calming, grounding effect. Try to spend as much time as possible in parks, nature reserves, national parks, beaches, forests and fields. There are many hobbies you can embrace, from hiking, mountain biking, surfing and cycling to open-water swimming, fishing, climbing, kayaking and sailing.
Seek professional advice
Understanding when to seek medical advice is key to optimum mental health. Many of us wouldn't think twice about going to the doctor if we had recurrent headaches or debilitating back pain, but we treat mental health symptoms differently. If you feel low, you’re stressed all the time, you can’t switch off, you feel restless or agitated, or you’ve lost interest in things that normally excite or motivate you, reach out. Talk to friends or family members, see a therapist or schedule a visit to your doctor.
We tend to think of our bodies when we talk about health. Mental well-being is as important as physical health. We can all be proactive in taking care of our minds and bodies. Simple steps, such as making sure you get enough sleep, tackling mild stress, embracing outdoor activities, and seeking advice, can help you take better care of your mental health.
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