4 Priorities for being mentally healthy

4 Priorities for good mental health

Today, more than ever, it’s important to take care of our mental health. Here are some important and evidence proven ways you can do just that.

1. Help others
   1. This can be donating to, or volunteering at a charity, or as simple as being friendly, saying hello or offering a compliment to someone. You might be surprised to know how much a friendly gesture is helping another person.
   2. Studies show that helping others benefits the helper’s mental health
2. Do things you enjoy
   1. If you want to try something new, figure out the steps, make a plan, and go for it!
   2. Don’t forget the little things like enjoying a cup of hot tea and relaxing or soaking in a hot bath (WITHOUT distractions like your cell phone! Just enjoy the sensation)
3. Gratitude
   1. Too often we become consumed by the negative things in our lives and never notice the positives. A gratitude journal can help reframe our perception so we notice all the good around us. I recommend you write in one every day and try to think of at least 5 things you are grateful for, from simple things like technology or a pretty day, to bigger things like people and events that were helpful for you.
4. Self care
   1. Exercise/activity
      1. Sometimes this takes planning to make it less difficult, like walking when the weather is tolerable or taking the stairs at work
   2. Eat healthy
      1. Avoid anything prepackaged.
      2. Whole grain is always better than white flour/rice/etc
      3. Sugar is ok in moderation- once a week ice cream can be a nice treat for yourself (as long as it isn’t every day!)
   3. Get enough sleep
      1. Get in the habit of going to bed at the same time every night.
      2. Avoid excess light, especially from electronics, because the light tells your brain it isn’t bed time and is a big cause of insomnia these days.
   4. Work on improving your emotional health
      1. There is a lot involved in this!  I will make some more videos later that get more in-depth on this (and each of these) topics.