Mental health is one of those things where one would need to help themselves. Others can have very little to no influence on how one feels, leaving them to deal with their own thoughts. That being said, keeping a check on one’s mental health is not difficult. It’s all about realizing what matters most and giving it more time. There are no universal tips that work for everyone. To know what works best for an individual, one must give it a try.

So, here are a few tips that can help wade through the difficulties in life with ease.

Workout or practice yoga every morning

Do not belittle the power of yoga or a heart-pumping physical workout. Some form of physical exercise should always be a part of one’s daily routine since it greatly helps relieve stress and helps one stay calm and balanced when faced with stressful and challenging situations during the day.

Bring awareness

Practicing meditation will help one become mindful. Bringing mindfulness into the activities performed daily will further help bring more peace and balance. Studies have shown that mindfulness can help cope with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and eating disorders, among others. Improvement in any of these aspects of life naturally leads to better mental health.

Break the monotony

A monotonous life sounds boring. Moreover, living life in a set structure restricts cognitive functioning and can lead to an added level of stress. Research has revealed that monotony is associated with reduced performance and quality of work, which is linked to high levels of stress. Doing something as simple as changing the jogging route or taking a walk in a different park to break the monotony. One can also break the monotony by planning a weekend road trip or hike to someplace beautiful.

Eat healthy food

What we eat affects our physical as well as mental health and well being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats can alleviate depression and bring mental balance. Diets rich in vitamin B, magnesium, vitamin D3, and omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish) can assist in keeping the mind healthy.

Say no to drugs and alcohol

While it is the most prevalent method of dealing with stressful situations in the world today, popping pills and drinking only make situations worse. And it is especially so among people who are already in a negative mental state.

Do more of what you like

Not everyone is lucky and persuasive enough to be able to turn their hobby into a lucrative career. But, it’s important to not drop what we like just for some mental sanity. If one feels like playing a musical instrument, or painting, or engaging in similar activity that brings some amount of stillness and peace within, then go ahead and find some time for those activities. This way, one won’t feel overwhelmed with a lot of stressful work during the week.