10 tips to improve your mental health

Most people require 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, even more for children. A good night’s sleep will help you have the physical energy to cope with life’s stresses and demands. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Turn off all electronics an hour before bed, and follow a bed-time routine to help you relax and fall asleep. Minimize discussing or thinking about stressful things before bedtime. Studies suggest that limiting caffeine and alcohol usage can promote more restful sleep!

You’ve heard this advice everywhere. That’s because it’s true. Just 30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 4 times each week will improve your mood and concentration and decrease your stress. Go for a walk, run, swim, bicycle, lift weights, garden, dance around your room - get active! If you are not currently physically active regularly, you should check with your medical doctor to make sure you can exercise safely.

In the busy rush of daily life, people often forget to do what makes them happy. As little as 15 to 30 minutes of an activity that is “just for you” will make your whole day better. Try setting aside time each day to do something for yourself. Chose an activity each day and give it a try. Experiment with different activities until you discover some that make you feel good.

Putting yourself down, criticizing yourself, wallowing in past failures isn’t helping anyone – most importantly, it is not helping you! Please make an effort to limit the number of bad things you say about yourself and how often you do it. Try to remember, recognize, and praise your strengths and successes!

Good nutrition helps not only your physical health but your mental health as well. Eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, get enough protein and carbohydrates, and allow yourself the occasional treat.

Even though substances may help dull your pain at the moment, the long term (or even next day) effects of alcohol and drugs can be brutal. Alcohol and drug use can cause mood disturbances and cause physical discomfort long after they leave your system, and long-term use can cause you to put your job, relationships, and health on the line.

Socializing with friends or providing charitable services to others improves confidence and sense of self-worth. Try joining a new club or volunteering at your local animal shelter or soup kitchen. Call your friends and ask them to go out to dinner or a movie. Reconnecting with people and/or doing something nice for others will help you to take the focus off of your own problems, no matter how large or small they are.