Don’t we all wish to wake up every morning to the sound of chirping birds and a calm picturesque view. Alas, reality is another ballgame altogether. In the rat race of life, we are scurrying from one thing to another, hardly stopping to notice the simple things around us. We are stressed out and exhausted and fail to realize the impact of these humdrum of activities on our mental wellness. If we catch the slightest cold, we are quick to nurse ourselves back to health. But many of us neglect our mind and mental wellness. Why should it be such an anomaly? The mind is part of us, just as the body is. The two are interconnected. As such, to be healthy and happy, we need to be mindful of our mental wellness. Here are some easy everyday tips we can follow to pursuit a better state of mental wellness:
Don’t be shy to get that beauty sleep!
If you’re all cranky and grumpy, someone may come up to you and say “Have you woken up on the wrong side of bed?”. There’s a reason for that saying. Having enough sleep, especially REM sleep facilitates better mental and emotional wellbeing. It also improves our cognitive skills such as our ability to focus, to learn and to remember.
Dance! Dance! Dance!
Have you ever danced like nobody’s watching you? If you haven’t, it’s never too late to try. Moving your body and simply letting it go can be liberating and relaxing. The same goes for any form of physical exercises. Thus, being physically active does not only make you stronger, it also helps you unwind and reduce stress.
Eat a rainbow of food.
Nature has given us a variety of wholesome food. So balance your daily meals with different types of fruits, vegetable and nutrients. Eating a variety of healthy, balanced diet acts as a natural defence against stress. Additionally, research has also shown that foods rich in Omega-3 helps in the prevention of dementia and mental decline.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Who doesn’t feel good after a hearty dose of laughter? So laugh and smile every chance you get. Watch reruns of your favorite ‘Friends’ episodes, have fun goofing around with your kids or just simply sit quietly and smile at happy memories. Humor relaxes the mind and releases happy hormones into your system that instantly makes you feel better. Indeed, that’s what the doctor would prescribe.