3 Lifestyle Changes To Make That Can Help Improve Your Mental Health
A lot of people will struggle with their mental health throughout life. It is an unfortunate, but common occurrence, that affects nearly 1 in 4 people every year in the UK. But it is possible to improve mental health with lifestyle changes.
Many people find that their mental health issues worsen in the winter months, as the cold days and long nights can make some people feel depressed. In fact, this type of ‘winter depression’ is a recognised condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
With winter just around the corner, it is important to try and find ways to help improve your mental health, so that you can get through the next few months. If you want to try and make positive changes to your mental health, then this article is for you. Here are 3 lifestyle changes you can make that can help to improve your mental health.
It is important to note that serious mental health issues should always be dealt with by a medical professional, but there are small lifestyle changes that you can make that could have a positive impact on your mental health.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is one of the changes that can make a huge difference in how you feel both physically and emotionally. When we exercise, our body releases the chemical serotonin, which can help to make us feel happy. Regular exercise will result in a regular release of serotonin, so it could make a difference in how you feel mentally.
Try and find a few exercises you enjoy, and slowly incorporate them into your daily routine. And do remember that the best form of exercise is one that you enjoy and therefore maintain. It doesn’t have to be the gym or running for miles!
A brisk walk is always good for you, but hobbies such as gardening and even dancing can be great boosters for your mental health.
Pay Attention To Your Diet
The food we eat plays a huge role in how we feel, so if you are constantly feeling groggy and experiencing low moods, then it could be a result of the food you are eating.
Paying attention to your diet and focusing on fuelling your body with the right foods can help improve your mental health. Try your best to eat a balanced diet full of wholefoods, fruits and vegetables.
If you wanted to add something extra to your diet, many people are finding CBD a great resource for stress relief. It’s easy to incorporate CBD capsules into your daily routine, such as these options from CBD Queen.
While research into the benefits of CBD is still ongoing, some people find that CBD oil can be effective in improving their moods and energy levels. It could be worthwhile trying it to see if it has any positive changes, but if you have any doubts, you should consider speaking to your doctor.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a known depressant, so if you are regularly consuming a lot of alcohol, it could be contributing to your poor mental health. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to give up alcohol entirely, but it could be a good idea to start reducing the amount you drink and seeing if it makes a difference.
Alcohol tends to go hand in hand with certain social situations, but it isn’t the only way to have fun. If you find that you are regularly overdoing it with alcohol, then perhaps arrange different social outings with your friends where alcohol is not involved.
There are lots of other lifestyle changes to help improve your mental health, but the above 3 tips are good starting points.