10 Tips to Enhance Your Mental Health

Written by J.H. Gibbons

Over the span of 20 years, our knowledge of health has changed. We’ve been able to determine that being physically healthy is only a percentage of the overall state of someone’s health. We’ve been told that having a healthy aesthetic is the number one indicator that you’re living a very healthy life. However, studies have shown that your mental health is a true indicator of how healthy the rest of your body would be. In fact, depression can increase the risk of many different physical health issues including diabetes and high blood pressure.

As an athlete, I believe that my mental health has been the most important improvement to my overall health. It is well documented that I struggled with my relationship with food. I used to consume food servings that should have been meant for a family of five. Once I was done eating, I would go lay down until I fell asleep, hoping that I wouldn’t wake up. Thankfully, I have done the work to be in a better mental space. If you’re struggling with your mental health, I suggest seeing a specialist to assist you on your journey. However, today Achromous wants to share 10 tips that we believe can enhance your mental health.

1. Remain Active

Going to the gym four times per week has helped me relieve stress on some of my busiest days. With a little cardio and some resistance training, I feel like a new man once I release the negative energy consumed throughout the day. I suggest investing in a gym membership and a personal trainer if you’re new to exercising.

2. Spend Some Time with Nature

Have you ever taken a long walk in the park on a Spring day in June? If you haven’t, I want you to do something right now. Pick up your phone, look for “free parks or gardens” near your location, schedule a couple hours on a week to walk around take in the fresh air. Look at the birds, smell flowers, sit under trees and eliminate all distractions. This routine will help you manage your stress better, especially when the weather is perfect.

3. Hang out with Friends

I am a loner. I love my own company. I could spend a rainy Saturday in bed reading books or writing blogs. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy socializing with those in my close circle. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, it is important to have someone to confide in and trust. We are strong creatures, but we all need help sometimes. Go hiking with a group of friends or just spend time in their company to help boost your mood and mental health.

4. Get Enough Sleep

In our society today, entrepreneurs are praised for waking up before 5:00am every day. For whatever reason, pop culture has associated no sleep with a hustle and grind culture. However, they omit the fact that many of these entrepreneurs sleep between 9pm-10pm every evening. Some business owners are not responsible for day-to-day operations within their company which gives them a bit more autonomy than a manager working a 9-5 job. Make sure to get between 6-8 hours of sleep per night. If you must wake up earlier than expected, go to bed earlier than you usually do.

5. Give Social Media a Rest

I truly believe that our society would be much better of without social media. The technological network was a great introduction. In theory, it should have brought the world together. However, we’ve never been farther apart from each other. But, I know dropping social media would be almost impossible for most, unless you have a strategy to do it. For everyone else, give yourself a week without it and fill your days with more important tasks and hobbies.

6. Eliminate Bad Habits

Do you still smoke? Do you drink excessively? Is junk food your best friend? It might be time to eliminate these habits and replace them with healthy ones. Some healthy foods can help to boost your mood and make you feel more energetic. You don’t want to feel lethargic after eating breakfast. Learn how to eliminate your bad habits and replace them with habits that will help you achieve those lofty goals.

7. Set Realistic Goals with an Action Plan

Everyone needs an action plan in life to feel as though they are making positive moves forward. They need a purpose to push towards and that helps us all feel needed and alive. This also helps with our mental health. Achieving realistic goals by chipping away at what needs to be accomplished is the best way to proceed. Setting goals without an action plan is useless because you will never be able to truly achieve them. Seeing progress occur while you’re consistently achieving your goals will provide you with the dopamine release and motivation to make it through.

8. Eat Healthy

I can relate to this personally. I used to have a very poor relationship with food. I would continuously consume food until I was tired enough to pass out. This only fed my depression and showed me that I had an alternate route to an early death. I am so happy that I am in a much better place now where I am able to share this story knowing that my relationship with food has improved, immensely.

9. Breaks Are Essential

When you’ve been working at your desk for 6 hours straight, you will begin to lose concentration. Take a break. Walk around for five minutes, grab a cup of coffee or water, or go outside briefly for fresh air. Breaks are essential when it comes to your mental health.

10. Perfection is Not Attainable

The chase will never end.