3 Easy Mental Health Hacks You're Probably Overlooking
Working on our mental health doesn’t have to be hard.
Today I’m going to talk about FREE things you can do to work on your mental health that AREN’T therapy! Disclaimer: This is purely for educational purposes, and isn’t medical advice or therapy. It’s wise (and I advise you) to consult with a medical professional regarding your specific needs and situation!
When I’m working with clients, it’s so important that we take a look at these 3 things because if they aren’t cared for, it’s much harder to manage mental health. So if you want to make sure you’re not missing out on things you could be doing to be mentally fit, keep watching and let’s explore 3 easy mental health hacks you’re probably overlooking!
Mental health hack #1: SLEEP
Have you ever had a bad night where you couldn’t sleep?
I tell clients who are dealing with most mental health issues that sleep is often the #1 issue of concern on my mind when it comes to their well-being. Why?
Sleep:
Boosts your immune system
Regulates your hormones
Improves your mood
Improve your memory
Increases your productivity
Reduces inflammation
Helps improve emotional regulation and stress tolerance
Reduces risk for heart problems
In other words, getting good sleep helps make you the best version of yourself.
If I had to pick between clients getting sufficient sleep, or going to therapy, I’d choose sleep. THAT’S how important I think it is to get a good night’s sleep! (But hopefully, you’re not having to choose one, and you can do both because that’s ideal)
Would you like to know more about how to improve your sleep? If you want me to make a video on sleep hygiene tips, let me know in the comments!
Mental health hack #2: EATING
When it comes to mental health, some people are more interested in taking a pill because they think it’s easier, and they don’t realize that their food choices can be a powerful factor when it comes to improving their mental health.
Use food to nourish your mental health!
Our food choices often lead us to feeling tired, irritable, and jittery!
There’s a whole field of study on this called nutritional psychiatry or psychology.
Nutrient-dense foods have a positive effect on mental health.
Research shows that it reduces depression.
A diet high in sugar impairs brain function and leads to fluctuations in energy levels
Eating regularly helps keep blood sugar levels steady so your mood and energy levels are also regulated
Get enough omega 3s (healthy fats) to keep your brain functioning optimally (fatty fish, nuts/seeds)
Hydration - drink water! Avoid headaches
Eat the rainbow to help diversify your nutrients
Be mindful of substances like caffeine.
Psychiatrist Dr. Drew Ramsey has a book all about this called “Eat to beat depression!”
Here’s the best part. Improving our eating habits doesn’t have to be miserable - it can be totally delicious!
Mental health hack #3: EXERCISE
Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel good.
Helps manage blood sugar and insulin
Certain types of exercises Reduce stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol - but be mindful about this because some types of intense exercise increase cortisol temporarily
Improves mental health and mood
Improves memory
Increases energy
Helps you sleep better!
Increases self-esteem
There’s even research that certain types of exercise (like walking and dancing) can help reduce PTSD.
Sleeping, Eating, and Exercise - 3 things that can be so hard to care for, but 3 things that are almost always within YOUR power to control and improve.
I hope you find these tips helpful and that you feel empowered to take good care of your sleep, eating, and exercise.
PS- be sure to check out my YouTube video on
Easy Mental Health | 3 Tips to Help You NOW if you haven’t already.
BTW, my mission is help people love their lives so they never want to leave them.
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