Activities To Improve Mental And Emotional Health

ActivitiesTo Improve Mental And Emotional Health

New Year'sresolutions often focus on improving physical health, but what if youfocused on mental health this year!? 

If you're set onmaking a well for improvement next year, add mental health to the top of yourpriority list.

 Here are some easy ways to do that:

1.Exerciseat least a few times per week

     Endorphin's are magical. When youexercise, your brain releases the feel-good chemicals, giving you an instant mood boost. Additionally, tryto take your workout outdoors. Research suggests group walks (yes, walking is consideredexercise) innature can help ease depressivesymptoms 

2.Travel

Sometimesa change of perspective involves a change of scenery. There are manytestimonies from people who have saidtheir wanderlust has changed their life for the better. Science seemingly backs thisup: Research suggests that planning a vacation can increaseyour overall happinessas you anticipate your trip. If you're looking for travel suggestions,someplace with water may be a good place to start. Studies show being near theocean canmake you calmer

3.Educate yourself.

Aboutmental health and about the world around you, that is. Mental health conditionsare much easier to manage when you know what's really happening inside themind. For example, did you know that somedisorders may be genetic?Did you know that manyconditions have physical symptoms? Learn as much as you can about what you'redealing with or what your loved ones are experiencing.

4.Focus on onething (in the moment).  

Beingmindfulof the present momentallows us to let go of negative or difficult emotions from past experiencesthat weigh us down. Start by bringing awareness to routine activities,such as taking a shower, eating lunch, or walking home. Paying attentionto the physical sensations, sounds, smells, or tastes of these experienceshelps you focus. When your mind wanders, just bring it back to what you aredoing.

5.Take a break. 

 In those momentswhen it all seems like too much, step away, and do anything but whatever wasstressing you out until you feel a little better. Sometimes the best thing todo is a simple breathing exercise: Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths.For each one, count to four as you inhale, hold it for a count of four, andthen exhale for another four. This works wonders almost immediately.