Feeling good about yourself and about others is very important if you want to stay happy and healthy. For this, you need to make sure you improve your mental health, despite the difficulties that you might be facing.
Here are a few ways to boost your mood and help you enjoy life the way it is:
Say something positive about yourself
How you think about yourself matters a lot when it comes to how you feel. If you perceive life negatively, you will end up viewing all experiences negatively. Instead, try using words that will strengthen your personal power and promote your self-worth.
Be grateful for what you have
Feelings of gratitude are directly related to your mental health and happiness. Try keeping a gratitude journal or writing a daily gratitude list to practice gratitude. Regular practice of contemplating gratitude can lead to long-term benefits.
Live in the moment
Not letting go of your past experiences can weigh you down with difficult and negative emotions. Be aware of every activity that you do, whether it is taking a shower or eating lunch. Pay attention to every sensation, be it sound, smell or taste. If your mind wanders gently bring it back to whatever you are doing.
Exercise regularly
Maintaining a regular exercise routine is the best way to deal with stress, anxiety and depression. Find out how you can add some physical activity, every moment of the day. Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Also, make sure you get enough exposure to sunlight.
Eat healthily
What you eat is what you are. Eating carbohydrates in moderate quantities can increase the production of serotonin, making you feel calmer. Protein-rich foods, on the other hand, help in keeping you alert by increasing tyrosine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet to feed and nourish each and every cell in your body. Include foods that are rich in Omega-3 and other fatty acids.
Talk to someone you trust
Talking to someone you trust helps you feel valued. Not only will this help you think more positively, it will also improve your emotional well-being. You will start recognising the positive qualities in others as well as in yourself.
Be helpful to others
Helping others can help you feel better about yourself. Value yourself for what you do in order to build your self-esteem. Be kind and helpful so as to expand and enrich the lives around you.
Enjoy some ‘me-time’
Sometimes doing nothing or doing whatever you love to do, can help you relieve your stress. It could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths. Or take up a hobby you love.
Get adequate sleep
One of the things that can negatively affect your mood is sleep deprivation. Fix a regular bedtime and make sure you go to bed at the same time every day. Try not to consume any caffeinated drinks in the evening.
An infrared sauna can also help improve your mental health. Find out how an infrared sauna boosts your mental health and reduces stress before you try one. It might take a while, but following the above practices regularly will help you feel good and build self-esteem gradually.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
