What
you eat can greatly affect your mental health.
Research shows a
correlation between diets high in refined sugars impairs thinking and causes
mood-related symptoms.
Tip: If you know you have a busy week ahead, meal prep on Sunday to ensure you
have healthy meals and snacks during the week. Avoid snacks high in sugar–keep
it simple with protein, vegetables, fruits and good fats like those found in
nuts. Without proper sleep, you’re more likely to feel stressed throughout the
day. Young adults and adults should be getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night
in order to function properly and perform at peak productivity.
Tip: If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, establish a bedtime
ritual–go to bed at the same time every night, try meditation, reading, or
journaling. Television screens, computer screens and vigorous exercise all
cause difficulties in falling asleep. Exercise has been shown to improve mental
health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving
self–esteem and cognitive function. Spending as little as 20 minutes a day on
exercise can actually increase your overall productivity, and decrease energy
wasted from mental stress.
Tip: Schedule your workout at the time of day when your energy is highest. That
may be first thing in the morning before work or school, or at lunchtime before
the mid-afternoon lull hits, or in longer sessions at the weekend. Even a short
walk can help clear your mind, improve your mood, and boost your energy level.
Get up and move while you are working–take a walk around the office or stretch
by your desk.
A good group of friends is important for
emotional health.
Loneliness is a key risk factor for poor overall health. Friends can make a
stressful situation much less taxing by providing outside perspectives and
insights you may not have thought about. Find time to share and to listen. Take
time to laugh, or even cry with friends—social connections can make all the
difference in how you embrace the world.
Tip: A mental health problem doesn’t mean that you’re never able to support or
laugh with someone else. In fact, laughter strengthens your immune system,
boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of
stress.
Strive for balance between work and play,
activity and rest, alone time and social time.
Too much of any one thing, especially for sustained periods, can elevate stress
and lead to emotional strain. It’s easy to let the demands of work and family
make it feel like relaxing isn’t an option. But, you have to make sure you’re
getting a healthy balance in order to flourish psychologically.
Tip: Try taking up meditation or yoga to reduce stress and help relax your
mind. Whether it’s 20 minute self-meditation or an hour long yoga class, these
activities incorporate techniques that encourage deep breathing, muscle
relaxation and tranquillity throughout your entire mind and body.
Take up a hobby
Whether it’s cooking, volunteering, playing sports, exercising, playing an
instrument, DIY projects, owning a pet, or gardening, finding a hobby you love
helps you become more in–tune with yourself and lead a happier, healthier
lifestyle. A hobby provides great emotional release and can help you cope with
stressful situations. Hobbies encourage you to take a break and to focus away
from work. Hobbies also offer a positive challenge and urge you to continue to
learn new things, while also reminding you to stay present and connect you with
others who have the same interest.
Tip: Choose hobbies that stop stress and compliment your current lifestyle.
This will give you the opportunity to focus on something else while exercising
your brain in new ways and teaching you new skills.
Love who you are
Loving yourself isn’t always easy, and often, we can beat ourselves up and
punish ourselves, thinking that will lead to change. Real change comes from
loving who you are and embracing your gifts and talents. It is not selfish to
care about yourself. Compassion for yourself means showing concern for your own
feelings as well as for others. The emotions we feel about ourselves carry real
chemicals with them. Shame and embarrassment raise cortisol levels and
inflammation in the body. Being comfortable in your own skin and being proud of
who you are is a great step in a healthy mind.
Tip: Say something positive about yourself every single day. Write it down and
carry it around with you or put it on your bathroom mirror so you see it as
soon as you wake up in the morning. Be with people who support and love you the
way you are.
For further support & advice contact EAP Assist.
