Staying mentally healthy is absolutely essential for everyone. When you struggle with your mental health it can often feel impossible to do the simplest of tasks or to do things that you previously wouldn’t have even thought about. Yet, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way out or that you will feel this way forever.
It is important for you to follow a healthy routine which is filled with things that you can incorporate easily. Although you might not feel up to doing these things everyday, deciding on a routine that you can always refer back to will help you to get out of a negative spiral. Completing your routine everyday will eventually feel like second nature! Don’t put pressure on yourself, just try your best to focus on these things and you will start to notice a difference.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is vital in helping both our minds and bodies to recover. Lack of sleep and mental health problems can be closely related as tiredness will cause difficulties in daily life, which then can cause feelings of worry and anxiety. This can then result in a lack of sleep again!
So, to beat this cycle, you should have 8 hours of sleep a night. Aim to be in bed 30 minutes before you will go to sleep, set your alarm for the morning and put your phone on the other side of the room. Any blue light from devices can contribute to poor sleep so make sure you don’t go on it before bed. Then, read a book or magazine before you go to sleep.
This will help to distract you from any concerns that usually prevent you from sleeping and it will also make you much sleepier than being on a device. When your alarm goes off in the morning (set 8 hours after you go to sleep) you will need to get out of bed in order to turn the alarm off if you put it on the other side of the room.
As soon as you get up, make your bed straight away. You will feel much more productive and you will be less likely to get back in bed. Then, head downstairs for a healthy breakfast, a cup of tea and a multivitamin tablet for the perfect start to any day. If you are consistent with this routine for a week, you will find it much easier to stick to.
Meditate Once a Day
Many people feel sceptical about the effects of meditation, but it can be really life changing for people. Meditation is all about focusing on your breath and removing negative or intrusive thoughts during the practice. It helps to improve self-awareness and you will find it easier to rationalise your thoughts.
When you are struggling, simply find a comfortable spot and put on a guided meditation sound track on YouTube and close your eyes. Your mind will feel much clearer after you have meditated and the skills you will learn will help you to cope throughout the rest of the day. You have nothing to lose, so definitely give this a go.
Exercise 3 Times A Week
Aiming to exercise at least 3 times a week can completely transform your mindset. Exercise makes your brain release many different chemicals which are all associated with feelings of happiness and confidence. They also help to improve your overall mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, especially when paired with a balanced diet.
Some days you might feel like the last thing you want to do is workout, but it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Even going for a quick walk will help you and you can slowly build up and find other things you enjoy like swimming, fitness classes or weights. Any type of exercise is useful in keeping you mentally and physically healthy. Try a protein shake and a vitamin C tablet after your exercise to aid recovery and keep you energised for the rest of the day.
