Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health

Here are some effective tips to boost your mental health.

Value yourself:

Treat yourself with gentleness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Give time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or enlarge your skill and knowledge. In your free time, try to do some physical activities as crossword puzzles, plant a garden, take dance lessons and learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.

Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

Eat healthy and nutritional meals

Avoid cigarettes — see Tobacco Cessation Help

Drink plenty of water

Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods

Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.

Be with the company of good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack support groups. Make plans with supportive family members, colleague and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

Learn how to deal with stress:

Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Follow good coping strategy: Try One-Minute Stress skill, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, occupy yourself with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, keep in mind to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can improve your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, proficiently and personally, and write down the steps you need to achieve your goals. Aim high, but be practical and don’t over-schedule. You’ll enjoy a wonderful sense of achievement and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. Wellness Coaching, free to U-M students, can help you develop goals and stay on track.

Picture Credits: Google Images