Have you recently realised that you’re not making your mental health a priority?
Perhaps you’re working late into the night, long past the time when you should have clocked out?
Or maybe you’re not sleeping enough because your mind is full of worry and anxiety?
If this sounds like you, it’s time to make a change. After all, not taking care of yourself mentally often translates into not caring for yourself physically, either – both of which can have long-term effects on your well-being.
With that in mind, here are just some of the ways you can begin to take better care of your mind before the year is out!
Have a digital detox.
Taking a break from your phone is one of the easiest ways to find zen in the digital age, especially when you consider the impact it has on your mental health. After all, social media platforms often breed negativity by making us compare ourselves to others. Reducing your dependency on these platforms allows you to live a life free from comparison and self-doubt.
While a few days of detoxing should do the trick, you may want to set daily timers on your apps so that you only spend a short time on them each day.
Try Lion’s Mane.
Based on the name alone, you’re likely questioning, What is Lion’s Mane? Lion’s Mane is a type of mushroom that grows in China. It can be incorporated into a range of dishes, from soups and stir-fries, and while it tastes great, it is mainly favoured because of its wellness benefits. In fact, many studies have found that it has a positive impact on both your mood and cognitive health.
Try to get more sleep.
Sometimes, anxiety and stress are the reason we can’t get to sleep; however, the less sleep you get, the more vulnerable you are to this kind of issue. Therefore, you must ensure you’re getting between 6-8 hours of sleep each night, whether this be through cutting caffeine out of your diet or sticking to a stricter nighttime routine. In some cases, herbal supplements can be useful.
Change up your surroundings.
Did you know that our surroundings often have a direct impact on our mood? For example, if your bedroom is full of clutter, you’re more likely to deal with stress, anxiety, and poor sleep patterns. However, removing the clutter can make for a more peaceful mind.
Another way in which you can change your surroundings for the better is by filling your home with house plants. While this may seem like a random suggestion, many scientific studies have found that people with plants in their homes tend to report less stress and anxiety than those in plant-free homes. They are also a simple yet effective way to spruce up your home, and you can change the plants each season to stay on trend.
Alternatively, you may want to redecorate your room so that your favourite colour features more prominently in the space.