How to Get Your Mental Health to Work for You
Psychological therapies like psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and occupational therapy are widely available, and the research suggests that they work.
But as mental health becomes increasingly accepted as a normal part of our lives, there are concerns that the new approach will become less accessible to those with mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Here are five strategies to help you achieve a healthier mental health state.
1.
Start with a balanced diet.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, researchers found that patients who ate at least a moderate amount of fruits and vegetables each day had a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
These fruits and veggies are known to have a beneficial effect on our cardiovascular system.
And in a 2014 study, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that when people ate a healthy diet, their risk of developing depression dropped by 70 percent.
2.
Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation practiced by people who are at a loss for what to do, and can help alleviate stress and promote positive feelings.
You can practice mindfulness meditation to relax, focus, and listen to music while you meditate.
You’ll find it useful in your everyday life as well, as it can help calm your thoughts and improve your concentration.
3.
Meditate with a friend.
It’s not uncommon for people to become so engrossed in their own thoughts and emotions that they lose touch with the world around them.
And that’s when it can be difficult to get the energy to practice mindfulness or meditate with others.
When you mediate, you’ll feel connected to others and can focus on the present moment.
You may find that you’re more aware of the world outside, and it’s also easier to feel better about yourself and your situation.
4.
Practice relaxation.
Research suggests that relaxation can help you get through tough times, and that it can also help you regulate stress levels.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, people who were allowed to practice relaxation had reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
5.
Avoid sugar and caffeine.
Many people are now eating a diet high in sugar and other processed foods, which can contribute to the mental health conditions of those with chronic conditions like anxiety and depression, which may also contribute to higher rates of heart disease and stroke.
This is because sugars and other refined carbohydrates, which people have been consuming for thousands of years, cause the body to metabolize other foods.
The sugar we consume has been linked to the development of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, which is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
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