1. Get restful sleep
Getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep plays an essential role in mental health. To get better sleep, try to avoid caffeine after Noon, wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day, and try to make your bedroom into a quiet, relaxing, clutter-free space.
2. Cut back on social media
Constantly consuming information about other people’s lives can cause you to compare yourself and promote feelings of low self-esteem, which increases feelings of anxiety and depression. To spend less time on social media, try to turn off notifications during the day and keep your phone in an area outside your bedroom while sleeping at night.
3. Move your body
Exercise offers a range of mental health benefits. Movement can involve something different for every person, and it doesn’t have to mean going to the gym — unless you genuinely want to. Sometimes just taking a few minutes to stretch, or going for a short walk can do wonders for your mental health.
4. Eat nutrient-rich foods
Certain foods can affect your mental health. To support improved mental health, try including as many one ingredient, whole foods (meats, fruits, vegetables) as you can into your diet. Certain foods, namely alcohol, caffeine, refined carbohydrates (chips, pastries, candy) and added sugars, can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms.
5. Get some sunshine on your skin
The sun is a great source of vitamin D, and studies show it can greatly improve attitude and mood. Just five minutes of sunlight can do your mind and your heart some real good. If you’re stuck working inside trying opening a window near your desk, or taking your breaks outside.
Call Passages at 509-892-9241 If you’d like more information about our services and enrollment eligibility.