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In the pursuit of one’s goals, people often forget to perform a self-check of their mental and emotional health. Over time, the day-to-day mental strains that people are subjected to, from traffic-stricken work commutes to toxic personal relationships, take its toll on both mind and body. Poor mental and emotional health lead to increased risk of health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, cancer, and even cardiovascular complications. It also results in low socioeconomic output, including getting stuck in a dead-end job that they aren’t passionate about. To help you elevate these two important aspects of your life, here are five tips:
Explore Nature
Another mentally rewarding activity that has scientific backing is exploration. Despite technological advances and concrete high-rises that we call home, humans still have an emotional and spiritual connection with nature. Going out into nature, either as a solo adventure or a family camping trip, is a great way to naturally reset your mind and purge yourself of negative emotions, including stress, frustration, regrets, anger, etcetera. Several studies, including Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay Nature, explores the healing benefits of being surrounded by nature. Check out the nearest VA state park campsites in your area and start planning for a day or weekend trip.
Talk About It
Most people choose to answer with “I’m okay” or “I’m doing well” when they are asked by family members or friends about their well-being or mood. After all, it’s an easier answer than actually telling people how you’re doing mentally and emotionally. Unfortunately, it’s also unhealthy to repress your emotions instead of talking about them. Acknowledging the fact that talking about your emotions is not a sign of weakness is the first step to actually being able to do it. You have a responsibility to yourself to stay emotionally healthy and that requires discarding some of your emotional baggage. Find someone, like a family member or close friend, to talk about something that’s been bothering you, whether it’s a personal insecurity or a lifelong regret.
Be More Physically Active
Regular exercise improves your self-confidence and sharpens your focus. You also tend to be in a better mood after a workout and are more likely to get quality sleep. A sedentary lifestyle often leads to weight gain and other physical effects, such as acne breakouts and hair loss. These effects ultimately lead to a loss of self-confidence, which can trigger stress, anxiety, and depression. Pick up a sport, such as basketball or swimming, or go for a run every morning. Make sure the activity you choose is something you actually like doing. If it feels like a chore, you probably won’t be able to consistently practice the sport or activity.
Read More
The mental benefits of reading more is backed up by a myriad of scientific studies. According to research that used MRI scans, reading can literally cause a positive shift in your neural networks. The simple activity of reading may sound banal, but at a cellular level, reading actually stimulates a complex network of circuits and signals in your CNS. And as your reading ability improves, so does that network of circuits and signals. Reading more also helps improve your vocabulary and thus your conversational range and depth. You become more comfortable and confident talking to other people.
Eat Better
Most human emotions are merely chemical reactions to what we feed our body. Caffeine, for instance, helps us stay focused while chamomile helps us sleep. The effects of what you eat and drink aren’t just physical; they extend beyond your organs, muscles, and bones. A poor diet that consists of heavily processed sugars, saturated fats, and sodium can lead to alterations in your brain’s neurological functions and neural mechanisms. This changes your brain’s emotional state and subsequent responses. Add healthier choices to your diet, such as whole foods, fiber, antioxidants, and folate. Not only does eating more of these foods lead to better mental health, but it also leads to a healthier weight and better skin complexion, which can help boost your self-confidence.
Final Thoughts
Set aside some time to make improvements to your mental and emotional health. Being more self-aware of how you’re doing mentally and emotionally can help you perform better in other aspects of your life, including your physical health, professional progress, and interpersonal relationships.
