Your mental health impacts how you think, feel and act in your daily life. It also affects your ability to deal with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and rebound from life's setbacks.

 

Strong mental wellbeing is not just a lack of mental health problems. It is much more than being free from depression, anxiety, or other psychological problems. It also does not mean that someone won't experience times when they feel low or have issues or feel stressed out. These are normal parts of life. However, those with stronger mental health are more likely to be able to deal with these issues and 'bounce back'.

 

Whether you're trying to deal with a particular mental health problem, regulate your emotions better, or just feel more positive and motivated, there are plenty of ways to take care of your mental health — starting today.

 

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Sleep

 

If you are living a busy life, skimping on sleep may seem like a shrewd move. However, when it comes to your mental health, getting enough sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Not getting enough sleep can take a toll on your mood, energy, mental agility, and ability to cope with stress. In the long term, a chronic loss of sleep can have some quite severe consequences.

 

Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night. However, if you get into bed and expect to fall asleep as soon as you close your eyes, you may be in for a disappointment. Your brain needs time to relax at the end of the day. This means taking a break from things like TVs and phones and computers for at least an hour before bed. You might want to incorporate rituals such as a hot bath or a warm, milky drink into your nighttime routine.

 

Ask for help

 

One of the hardest things anyone can do is ask for help, but when your mental health is not entirely as it should be, doing this can seem like an almost impossible task. This may be something as simple as talking to your partner and asking them to take on some extra responsibilities to give you a bit of a break. For more serious mental health conditions, this may require more professional help, such as medication or treatment at an eating disorder treatment center. If you have a drug or alcohol addiction then rehab is always a positive move. Outpatient rehab can be a good option so you do not have to stay in the hospital.  It is important to remember that there is never any shame at seeking help. In fact, it is a sign of strength.

 

Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.

 

Unless you have tried to change your diet in the past, you might not be aware of how much of what you eat— and don't eat — affects the way you feel. Unhealthy diets can take a significant toll on your brain and mood, disrupt your sleep, drain your strength, and weaken your immune system. Likewise, switching to a healthy diet which is low in sugar and high in healthy fat, will give you more strength, boost your mood and generally help you feel much better and able to deal with the problems that you face.