How often do you take a step back and ask yourself, “How am I really doing?” Mental health not only affects your physical health, but it also impacts how you perceive yourself and the world around you. In fact, mental health encompasses your emotional well-being as well as your ability to recognize and regulate your emotions.
“Mental health is about the functionality of your brain and all that impacts it,” says Oludara Adeeyo, a psychiatric social worker and author of “Self-Care for Black Women.” It can be challenging to remember to reflect on your well-being when life gets hectic, which is why making time for mental health check-ins is so important.
When you start building habits with the goal of improving your mental health, you will likely start to notice a big difference in your day-to-day life. Here are my top 3 simple ways to stay on top of your mental health every day. XO Nina
Move your body
Exercise has a vast range of mental health benefits, including:
- Relieving stress
- Lifting your mood
- Helping you fall asleep faster and sleep longer
- Helping you manage symptoms of depression and anxiety conditions
Moving your body doesn’t always have to mean going to the gym! It can range from taking a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood every day to dancing around in your room to your favorite tunes. Exercise looks different for everyone— find out which movements are enjoyable for you by doing physical activities that work best for your body and health. Even taking a few minutes throughout the day to stretch your body can make a huge difference in your overall mental health. Stretching will help with blood flow and get more oxygen through your body, which can help you feel more relaxed and happy.
Get out of bed right when your alarm goes off
You know what they say— the early bird gets the worm! Although easier said than done, there are many reasons why you should get up as soon as your alarm goes off. Not only will you have more time for yourself and more time to get things done, but waking up early also has its benefits for overall well-being.
Research suggests that those who wake up earlier have improved sleep which leads to improved mood and better concentration. This also means you have more energy throughout the day when you wake up feeling refreshed. In addition, those who wake up earlier tend to have more positive thoughts, resulting in a healthier body and mind.
Take regular work breaks
Skipping breaks during your work day can lead to faster burnout and higher levels of stress. When you take a step away from work for a few minutes throughout the day, this leads to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and improved mental health. Breaks can also help you cultivate healthier habits. When you’re busy or stressed, it’s easy to forget to incorporate habits such as a well-balanced meal or exercise. Taking a proper lunch break allows you to prepare a healthy meal or get outside for some fresh air. Additionally, breaks can inspire more creativity. Giving your brain time to rest and recharge will keep you energized for the next task ahead!
