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Though mental health is just as important as physical health, very few people actually pay attention to it as much. This is unfortunate as neglect of the same can have many long term repercussions. Since physical and mental healths are connected, it is vital that everyone invests time, money, and energy on the same. “A stitch in time saves nine” adage applies to mental health as well. It means ensuring our mental wellbeing before it escalates and we need medical attention for it.
Below are five simple tips for nurturing your mental health:
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Get adequate sleep - Uninterrupted and proper sleep of a minimum of 7 to 8 hours at night is ideal and a must for a human adult. Your brain needs to rest and process the day’s events and this happens during sleep. Without sound sleep, a person is not able to be their optimal self and function properly. Crankiness and irritability in the day are bound to set in. Sleep is an important criterion for mental wellbeing. Lack of proper or adequate sleep is known to cause relapses in patients with mental conditions.
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Healthy diet – The stomach is the body’s hospital. So, one has to ensure that only the finest foods make their way to the body via the mouth. By this we mean, a balanced healthy diet that contains all the nutrient components such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. The new wellness mantra is – eat organic, eat local and eat seasonally. Less sugar, salt, and processed food items such as cured meats, cheese, bread, and so on. Fast or junk food should be in small doses as well as red meats. A plant-based diet is considered the finest, particularly leafy greens.
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Avoid substance abuse – Substance abuse refers to nicotine products, drugs, alcohol, hookah, e-cigarettes, prescription drugs, etc. Stay in good company and use your intelligence to avoid such harmful substances.
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Set personal boundaries – Establishing boundaries vis-a-vis work and relationships or the lack of it can be a big stressor in our lives, but putting them in place will ensure your overall mental wellbeing in the long run. Being surrounded by happy, supportive, and loving people is important for mental wellbeing. Let go of negativity in life in the form of negative people or toxic relationships. At work, we must be able to say no to people regarding work especially if you already have lots on your plate. It’s better to be upfront than to get stressed and crib internally. If you are being harassed, bullied, or victimized, speak up and take action. There are always solutions waiting.
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Practice mental Well-being techniques – Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, vipassana, etc are just tools for achieving mental wellbeing. Make it a daily habit to practice the same for about 20 – 30 minutes. You will notice a gradual change in your thoughts, feelings, and attitude. It requires dedication and commitment. Sign up for online classes or get online video tutorials to get you started on this road.
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