1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Diet and exercise are often associated with losing weight and building muscle to improve one’s physical appearance or athletic performance. However, increasing your consumption of essential vitamins and nutrients is a great way to enhance your mental health. Adding calcium, vitamin B and folate through various food sources or supplements can increase the body’s dopamine and serotonin levels. These “feel good" chemicals can help prevent fatigue, boost mood and minimize irritability. Having functional medicine blood tests performed can help you determine any deficiencies that might need to be addressed.

Exercise, massages and acupuncture can be beneficial ways to relieve stress and release muscle tension. These endorphin-releasing activities can aid in improving cognitive function, promoting better sleep and staving off feelings of anxiety and depression. Working out with a gym buddy or joining group classes may be advantageous for those individuals that are looking to be held accountable for their positive health-oriented actions.

2. Seek Professional Care

Venting your frustrations and sharing your worries with friends and family might seem like the ideal situation. Not only do you feel at ease around these individuals, but you may believe that they know you better than anyone else. Despite their best efforts, it may be difficult for these people to remain unbiased or emotionally unattached when providing you with advice. Mental health professionals such as psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists and physicians are trained to evaluate an individual’s situation from an objective standpoint, free from outside influence or judgment. Talking to a professional can help you to retrain negative thinking patterns and develop successful coping skills.

3. Develop Social Networks

Anxiety and depression can be fueled by boredom and isolation. Regularly engaging in group activities such as sports, book clubs or arts and crafts can help create shared experiences and serve as a distraction from one’s worries or problems. Whether you have a large group of acquaintances or a tight-knit circle of friends, these individuals can serve as an excellent support system. Friends can help push you out of your comfort zone, expand your intellectual horizons and create memorable experiences. Social interactions can also benefit those suffering from social anxiety or other mental health issues.

4. Practice Self-Awareness

Individuals are often quick to judge themselves regardless of the circumstances. Fear of failure, lack of self-confidence and intimidation can greatly impact the way that an individual goes about their daily life. Many people strive for perfection, yet little achieve it. The ideal scenario or outcome for one person might not be the same for another. It is important that you stay true to your values and continuously put your best foot forward. Acknowledging any successes or improvements can help you see yourself through a new lens. Yoga and meditation can help remove negative thoughts and enhance your sense of self.

5.  ; S E T Personal Goals

Setting goals prevents individuals from remaining stagnant. Working to achieve an accomplishment can cause one to remain mentally, emotionally and physically active, and it can instill a newfound purpose or lease on life. Goals should be realistic to avoid feelings of disappointment should they not be met. Individuals may choose to focus on things such as lifestyle changes or career development.

Ensuring optimal mental health is an ongoing process. Remaining cognizant of some key factors can help you in your quest to achieve it.

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