6 Simple Ways To Boost Your Mental Health

All human beings are graced with an almost equivalent proportion of grey matter in our skull, and yet some of us can be driven and focused all the time, while others are dull and unattentive. What is the reason behind this? Their personality traits? Well, the answer is yes and no. Personality does play an important role in shaping the mental state of a person, but lack of concentration, stress, and anxiety can be simply signs of an unsynchronized brain.

Caring for your brain allows you to make full use of that grey matter, and not only you will be able to analyze different aspects of things, but maybe some things won't seem as difficult for you anymore. Here are a few natural ways that can help you care better for your brain and boost your mental health.

1. Meditation

Calming your mind is the first step towards better mental health.

According to a study, individuals who meditate frequently had bigger brains (literally!) than those who do not. The people who meditate exhibit better retention, improved long-term as well as short-term memory, and healthy brainwaves in comparison to an average human brain. Just like workout tones our muscles, meditating increases grey matter in the brain and improves proper synchronization with the cerebral hemisphere. Meditation is also a well-known way to reduce stress levels and anxiety. Regular practice also strengthens the brain to function under physical, psychological, and environmental stress.

2. Physical exercise

As the saying goes - a healthy body is a temple for a healthy mind.

Working out increases neurological activities, thus forcing the brain to work longer and produce chemical changes that can enhance thinking. Physical exercises, especially those involving high energy, are scientifically proven to reduce stress levels. Workouts can also make you feel better about your physique, which can stimulate dopamine production and lift your mood.

3. Eat Healthily

Avoid junk food and alcohol as they are associated with a decline in mental health. Increase your intake of nutritious foods like fish, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, etc. Foods abundant in omega-3 fatty acids are also considered good from the brain and thinking abilities. Also, drink loads of water and decaffeinated drinks, as a hydrated brain is a less stressful and more powerful brain.

4. Reading

People who read more are less likely to be affected by depression and stress. Reading fiction has been shown to strengthen the brain against psychological and perceived stress in several studies. Reading literature can also help you stay happy from inside and boost your emotional intelligence. Developing reading habits and learning new skills are also known to rewire the brain and boost mental health.

5. Sleep soundly

Sound sleep is one of the best, and yet one of the most ignored ways of caring for your mental health. Monitor your sleep and try to get at least 3-4 hours of deep sleep out of 7-8 hours of total sleep time. Listen to calm/sleep music before going to bed if you have trouble falling asleep. Sound sleep will wake you happy, energetic, and keep you in a better mood for the rest of the day.

6. Socialize with real people

Put your cell phone aside and make real friends. Social media is not exactly what socializing is all about. Too much online-time can have negative effects on the mind, rather make real-life friends and spend time with them. Debate and discussions are a great way to fuel your positive thinking and can have a profound impact on mental health and mood.