In today’s world, we hear and read a lot about how your mental health can impact your well-being; but how can we improve our mental health in order to live a more balanced life? If you’re struggling to feel in control of your mental health then read on for tips to help you feel like the best you.
What Workouts Help Improve Mental Health?
Your physical health is a major pillar in your overall health, and although it might seem like a separate matter, your physical health has a significant effect on your mental health. Being physically active can improve your abilities to do everyday activities and also help alleviate negative emotions. On top of that, being active also promotes good mental health as exercise releases feel-good hormones, such as endorphins, that leave you feeling happier. No matter what type of workout you prefer, there’s a set for you.
HIIT or Running
From stress management to getting vitamin D by going outside, the benefits of running cannot be ignored. For higher impact workouts like running and HIIT, opt for pieces that will support your movement.
Low Intensity
Even the benefits of a 5-minute walk cannot be ignored. There’s a reason mental health walks became all the crazy during the 2020 Covid quarantine. For more grounding, low impact workouts, choose a Seamless set.
Weightlifting
Weight training’s mental health benefits include brightening your mood and even improving brain health. Grabbing the barbell isn’t just about getting muscles, it’s about building healthy habits. For weightlifting it's you'll want something that won't get in your way, so a pair of biker shorts that won't be too restricting are the way to go.
Not able to find the motivation to move? There are three crucial steps that will get you off the couch and help you feel better in no time:
Write a List. What are your favorite physical activities? This can be anything from yoga or tennis, to simply taking a walk in the woods! The first step to feeling good is to make sure you actually like the workout you are doing. Fitness and mental health improvements start with your motivation.
Look at Your Schedule. Now that you know your favorite physician activities, how do they fit in with the rest of your life? A healthy fitness schedule is part of a healthy (and balanced) life.
Motivate Yourself. Getting excited can come in all shapes and sizes, but nothing gets people moving more than retail therapy. Buying a cute new workout set can get you going, and treating yourself to some iced coffee is just what you need to remind yourself that working out actually feels good, one day at a time.
Focus On Self-Care
When you think of self-care, your brain might associate it with bubble baths and spa days. Although those are great ways to spend some one-on-one time with yourself, self-care is more than just that. Self-care, no matter what that looks like to you, promotes better emotional and mental health by allowing you to engage in a routine proven to reduce anxiety and stress, while improving your energy and concentration. The relationship between physical activity and mental health is the core of self-care. If you don’t know how to incorporate self-care into your daily life then you might let it fall by the wayside, but there are simple and effective ways to start your self-care journey. Routines are great for mental health and are scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and stress while improving your energy and concentration.
What Can be Called Self-Care?
- Daily Walks: Walking when you can, from an early morning walk before work to a late night stroll, are great to help move your body and get the blood pumping, especially after a day of inactivity working behind a desk.
- Stretching: Improving flexibility and improving your joints' range of motion with some simple stretches can help make your body feel good over a longer period of time, and when your body feels good, so do you.
- Getting a Good Night's Sleep: Those eight hours of sleep aren’t just okay, they can actually save your life. Getting enough sleep helps burn fat, keeps your mind clear-headed, and helps against signs of depression or anxiety.
- Eating Well: A balanced diet helps prevent noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. When you eat well, you feel better. Even though bags of junk food might feel great in the moment, they are only a very temporary solution when it comes to feeling better, and actually might make you feel worse in the long run, due to binging, guilt, and stomach aches.
Do they sound a little like no-brainers? Sometimes those little things we are supposed to do every day get lost in the chaos of living, but there’s a reason you should get eight hours of sleep and eat your veggies.
The Benefits of Talking About Mental Health
Sometimes fitness and mental health is just a part of improving your anxiety or depression. Managing your mental health while also trying to manage your daily life can feel overwhelming, especially if you deal with everyday stress from factors out of your control. There are a multitude of reasons why people seek therapy, from feeling isolated to experiencing self-doubt to simply wanting to shift into a more positive mindset. Many people struggle with knowing when it’s time to pursue help, and although you might want to handle your mental health yourself, don’t wait.
Connect With Others
When was the last time you called your friends or family? Maintaining our everyday relationships can be challenging, especially when social media keeps you updated and in the loop of your loved ones' lives with just one click. However, as humans, a strong sense of community is extremely important to our well-being. We need to feel socially connected in order to feel secure and supported, and despite the fact that Instagram and Facebook make us feel connected, don’t rely on social media to be your only way of visiting your friends and family.
Reach out and make plans with those you haven’t seen in a while! It might seem silly but it’s crucial to your quality of health. Plan a night out on the town with your closest friends, but don’t stress about your ‘fit. Pair Alala’s Barre Mock Tank with a pair of denim and a heel for an easy, sophisticated look. Not in the mood to go out? Host a game night at your place and have your friends come in sweats for the ultimate girls night. If you want to keep it simple, then invite a friend or family member to your yoga class or on your daily walk. Connecting to people on a frequent basis will not only leave you feeling happier, but the people in your life will feel it too.
If you want to improve your well-being you have to spend a little extra time on your mental health to help get you where you want to be. Your mental and physical health are all connected and play an integral part in making you the best version of yourself. No one can do it all, so remember to give yourself some room and be nice to yourself.