1. Don’t be hard on yourself:
There are times when everything will seem to go against you. Whatever happens, remember that there’s always a next time and a chance to do better. Beating yourself up won’t solve anything but rather take a toll on your mental health. The best way to handle challenging times/moments is to be nice to yourself. Try appreciating even the tiniest milestones you’ve made. If possible, put a smile on somebody else.
2. Workout:
A sedentary lifestyle with very little to no physical activity can be mentally draining. Putting on some physical exercise, e.g., walking, jogging, taking the stairs, etc., goes a long way in boosting mental alertness and combating stress. Making it a routine will also help boost concentration, mood, and fight off any symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3. Check on your diet plan (eat healthy):
Living off fast foods isn’t good for your mental and overall health. Instead, focus on foods that promote good health. Add nutritious foods, vegetables, and fruits to your diet plan for improved mental and physical health. Whole, fresh, and organic foods are the best for mental and physical health. You can also supplement your diet with vitamin drips or injections offered by Nadcell Clinic.
4. Get enough sleep:
According to experts at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the average adult should get at least 6 hours of sleep per day, 8-10 hours. In addition to this, it would be best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This helps boost sleep hygiene, hence a healthy circadian rhythm. Getting enough sleep allows one to wake up refreshed and energetic.
5. Limit screen time at night:
Smartphones, computers, TVs, and video games are the norm today. While it might be impossible to digital-detox for a full day, it would be advisable to avoid using these devices for a few hours until bedtime. Digital screens emit blue light, which affects the body’s ability to produce sleep hormones, making it harder to get enough sleep. Simply staring at the lit screen for hours while in bed only triggers the increased production of cortisol.
6. Breathe (Take deep breaths):
Always remember to take a long, deep breath whenever faced with a problem. Deep breathing increases oxygen concentration in the blood and the brain, making it easier to overcome stress or depression.
7. Socialise:
Nothing is better for your mental health than surrounding yourself with positive energy, especially in the company of loved ones. This is especially crucial if going through a tough time.
8. Write down anything that might be stressing you:
This trick works best if you are overwhelmed with thoughts and unable to sleep. According to experts, writing down everything that might be stressing you helps unload pressure from your mind, making it possible for you to wind down and get some sleep. Instead of tossing and turning in bed, get a pen and piece of paper, and get writing. Although you might not know this, putting all the items down can give you a different perspective and possibly get a solution to some of the issues faster. Creating a list of things/situations that might be stressing you, and categorising them, also helps create a working formula to sort these out. The best way to do this would be to start working on the simplest issues first, moving to the toughest, one at a time.
9. Find support:
If you, or a friend, is suffering from depression or struggling, it is OK to seek help. Sharing your problem(s) with someone you trust can help solve your issues much faster. Identify a friend or family member you can confide in, give them a visit, and then open up to them. Chances are they will help you overcome or even help you solve some of your problems. Professional help also comes in handy where family and friends cannot. The best thing about seeing a counsellor is that he/she will listen to your woes and help you discover ways to overcome most of the challenges. The beauty of seeing a therapist is that there’s a doctor-patient privilege, hence no need to worry about anyone backbiting. Find the support you need at. Joining a support group or volunteering in community centers can also help.
10. Take the first step:
Don’t try to solve everything all at once. Instead, tackle one issue at a time. Come up with a plan on how to better care for yourself. If anything, start with the most basic things, and remember to rest between tasks. This will help your mind function better, making it easier to beat stress and depression.
