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Taking care of your mental health is as much about watching out for any negative signs as it is about taking positive steps. Better mental health means more awareness of how you feel, who you want to be and when you might need to take a step back.
Here are 6 ways to better take care of your mental wellbeing.
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Know When to Say No
Your mental health is going to suffer if you’re constantly making decisions to benefit other people, or if you are trying too hard to people-please and say yes to everything. It’s okay to say no every once in a while without having to feel guilty for it. Whether it’s turning down a social event because you really don’t want to go, saying no to overtime at work because you’re feeling worn out or simply saying no to greater decisions in life which you’re not willing to put up with anymore, saying no is powerful in helping you be honest with what makes you happy, and giving you a break when you need it.
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Connect With the Right People
Being around the right people will change your mood, and how you feel in yourself. The wrong people can easily have a toxic effect on your life and your wellbeing. Be sure to surround yourself with loved ones and those who have the same interests as you, so that you can always feel your most comfortable in company.
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Increase Exposure to Natural Light
Natural light has a great effect on positive mood, as well as providing a healthy dose of vitamin D. It’s also the reason that the winter months can increase the likelihood of negative mental health, due to shorter days and darker skies.
Be sure to get outdoors as much as you can to embrace more sunlight, and when at home, encourage more natural light into your home or set yourself up with a view when you’re relaxing or home-working.
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Have a Healthy Relationship With the Basics: Food, Sleep and Exercise
Food, sleep, and exercise are areas of life that can be most negatively impacted by a mental health condition, but they’re also those which are most important to a positive mindset. It’s important to always make sure you’re getting enough sleep so that you can feel your most focused and motivated. You should plan an enjoyable workout plan for yourself and find an exercise you enjoy. Alongside this, you should maintain a healthy diet with foods that will have you feeling your best. If you’re having trouble with your relationship with food due to mental health, be sure to seek help; for example, you can find bulimia treatment or support for healthy eating.
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Be Honest With Yourself About What You Enjoy
Set aside the activities which are popular with others or which are trending. Don’t even compare yourself with what others you know are doing. Take a moment to step back and spend the time learning more about yourself and what you genuinely like to do. Find the activities and pastimes you truly enjoy and you’ll feel significantly better about your lifestyle and about the time you spend.
Only spending time doing things that others expect you to do or which you have no enjoyment for will increase the likelihood of negative moods.
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Take Breaks
Whether it’s a regular vacation, a day off from work when you need it, or simply a break from socializing or responsibilities so that you can have a day relaxing, always make time for yourself and your own wellbeing.
