‘Tis the season for a New Year’s resolution. Do you have one? If not, we have an idea. This year, we want you to dedicate the next 365 days toward improving your mental wellness routine. By focusing on yourself this year, you’ll be on your way to improving your serotonin levels, increasing your energy, and gaining a greater outlook on life. Continue reading our blog to begin your new and improved mental wellness routine.
PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION
One of the most fundamental elements for mental wellness is self-compassion. Self-compassion is a critical part of your journey toward loving yourself and finding true happiness. Start practicing this by being mindful of negative self-talk. By focusing on positivity and practicing self-forgiveness, you’ll begin to realize any unrealistic standards you may have been setting.
FOCUS ON PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Without physical wellness, you’re likely to struggle with mental wellness. For some time, professionals believed all mental illness stemmed from brain disorders. But now there is developing research indicating that the levels of “feel good” neurotransmitters involved in mental wellness are directly affected by your digestive tract. Because of these recent studies, treating depression and anxiety can begin by monitoring what you put into your body. Try reducing sugar, fried foods, and alcohol from your diet.
PRIORITIZE SLEEP
During restful sleep, the body and brain repair themselves. They strengthen the immune system and reinforce the stress response. Most importantly, they recharge the systems that help regulate emotions. At the University of Pennsylvania, researchers performed a study and found a direct correlation between happiness and the amount of sleep someone gets each night. Subjects who were limited to only four and a half hours of sleep every night reported feeling more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted. Once they resumed normal sleep schedules, they reported a dramatic improvement in their mental wellbeing. In order to support your mental health, try getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS
As naturally social beings, it’s important for us to prioritize healthy relationships with others as it directly impacts our mental health. Without those vital connections, we lose the interactions that allow us to receive support with our struggles, exchange stories, and celebrate successes with each other. As we battle with the isolating effects of COVID-19, it’s crucial that we connect any way possible, even if that means substituting in-person gatherings with weekly video chats.
In addition to these tips, make sure to watch for upcoming meditation, yoga, and other wellness workshops in the coming months. Our classes and workshops can help to enhance your mental wellness routine. Should you have any questions on your wellness journey, contact the professionals at Healthwise today.