8 Ways for Mental Health Improvement

When people want to improve their body shape, they go to the gym. With the mind, it is the same. There are ways to enhance your mental health, and our psychologists in Calgary will tell you all about them.

The Importance of Mental Health

More than 20 million people suffer from a major depressive episode. Depression and other mental health issues affect your daily behavior. You have negative thoughts and feelings, and you do not enjoy life quality. Like this, it is impossible to be happy, and that is not how you should live!

Luckily, you can look for psychologists near you for help. You deserve to feel happy.

Improving Your Mental Health

Stick to the essentials works. To exercise daily, eat healthy food, meditate. However, professional help is the best you can do when you feel overwhelmed.

Our therapist in Calgary advises the following:

1. Talk to yourself nicely 

Words have too much power, and when we talk to ourselves, we should be kind. Many people are too hard on them when they make a mistake or don’t succeed at their first attempt at something. 

Phrases like “you are doing great”, “you are beautiful”, “keep going”, “you can do it”, are examples of how we should motivate ourselves.

2. Be grateful

Studies show that people are happier when they think about things they have. Sometimes, when life gets hard, we tend to forget that we have a functional body, people that care about us, and the daily kindness we see all around us.

3. Be present

The hardest thing in life is to live in the moment. The future makes us anxious, and the past makes us regret (sometimes). Focusing on what is happening right now helps you not stress about things you cannot control.

A tip to do so is to pay attention to the actions you take during the day. If you take a shower, focus on the water running through, the soap sensation on your body, the smell. These small things will make you mindful.

4. Be active

Movement is life. Any exercise like yoga, hiking, weight lift, or swimming helps you release endorphins and feel more content. Besides, you look better, which increases your self-esteem.

Some people find it difficult to start; however, you can take small steps. Walk for twenty minutes daily and then increase the intensity for wellness.

5. Keep your diet clean

“You eat what you are”, they say. Eating proteins, vegetables, and good fats make you feel better. Carbohydrates are essential; however, you should not have them excessively because they may inflame you and create an addiction. 

Besides, carbohydrates are linked to obesity and other health problems. They are necessary, but we recommend moderate consumption.

6. Talk to a friend

Whether it is a friend or your therapist, keeping emotions inside is no good because you end up exploding at some points. Speaking up makes the feeling distant, and you take it out of your head. You may also write them down if you don’t feel like talking.

Our family therapy in Calgary includes different techniques, like art therapy. Through drawing or painting, you may express easier.

7. Sleep

Sleeping for eight hours helps your body recovers for the next day. It helps be more productive and content.

We suggest you not drink caffeine after 2 pm, put your phone away two hours before bedtime (and any other screens), and turn down the lights three hours before. It will make your body understands it needs to relax.

8. Breathe

Use your breath anytime you need to. Inhale and exhale as much as you need to feel calm and be present.