Taking care of yourself & mental health is key to having a happy lifestyle. Find out the best ways to help improve your mental health at The Livewell Syndicate!

How to Improve Your Mental Health

Taking care of yourself should always be a priority. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, as it determines how you relate to others and make life choices.
In this article, we will explain what mental health is and the signs of poor mental wellbeing. We will then discuss our favourite tips for improving your mental health.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Your mental state affects how you feel, think, and act.
Mental health problems include issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms of poor mental health can include:
Feeling sad or low
Inability to concentrate
Excessive fears or worries
Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
Increased mood swings
Changes to sex drive
Problems with alcohol or drug use
Everyone’s mental health may take a downturn at some point in their life. Biological factors, life experiences, and family history can all contribute to poor mental health. It is therefore essential to take steps to maintain and improve your mental wellbeing.

How to Improve Mental Health

There are a variety of reasons why we may need to improve our mental health from time to time. Stress from work or moving house can temporarily affect our mood, leaving us feeling low and worried. In these circumstances, we know that simple life changes can help to improve your mental health in no time.
In most cases, there are a variety of things people can do to improve or maintain their mental wellbeing on their own. From yoga to taking a long bath, self-care is an essential element for keeping a healthy mindset and positive attitude. Brain games and keeping an emotion journal are also great ways to work your brain and reflect on how you are feeling.
There are some times, however, where you may need help from a professional to tackle your mental health issues. Conditions such as depression and anxiety can be overwhelming and should not be dealt with alone. There is no shame in asking for help to improve your mental health. Simply contact your GP or even find a mental health charity. The NHS has lots of helpful information on how to access mental health services.

Mental Health Tips

Making steps to improve your mental health is ultimately a great decision that can lead to a healthier and happier life. Here are our top five tips for improving your mental health:

Embrace the Mental Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body but did you know it can keep your mind healthy too. Working out not only helps you lose weight and build muscle, but it can also improve your mental health.
Working out is scientifically proven to make you feel happier. Participating in physical activity releases “feel-good” hormones in the brain, meaning you will feel better about yourself and will have more energy. Exercise also helps to manage stress, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts as the body release cortisol which manages stress.
Incorporating more exercise in your routine can therefore be a great first step to managing your mood. Personal training is a fantastic option to get you started, particularly if you lack motivation. Personal trainers will hold you accountable and will work with you to meet both your physical and mental needs.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in what you are doing and what is happening around you. It might seem like a given, however, being present in the modern world has become increasingly difficult for many people. The constant presence of the internet and mobile phones has given everybody the ability to escape, meaning many of us do not really appreciate the moment we are in.
Mindfulness helps to reduce stress and enhance performance. It allows you to gain insight and awareness into your own thoughts and feelings, as well as the emotions of those around you.
You can make an effort to be more mindful in a number of ways. Taking a short pause to take in what is happening around you is the most simple form of mindfulness. Other practices include mindful meditation and activities such as yoga. Guided mindfulness meditation with a professional is perfect for beginners, as they can teach you how to reflect with a purpose.

Get a Life Coach

A life coach is a wellness professional that will help you to make progress in your life and achieve your goals. Life coaches are not qualified health professionals that can treat mental health issues, however, they are perfect for dealing with difficult situations.
Most people turn to a life coach when they are facing significant change, such as during a divorce or when getting a new job. Your confidence coach will help you to gain a fresh and informed perspective on the problems you face, pointing you in the right direction to tackle them. Together, you will address negative patterns and create processes for you to reach your goal.
People that use life coach services have found that it leads to improved communication skills and stronger relationships with those around them. Life coaching brings a sense of security, motivation, and satisfaction. Further benefits include a better work/life balance as well as greater financial security.

Go to Talking Therapy

Counselling is another fantastic way to improve your mental health. Talking therapies allow you to talk about your feelings and adjust your thought processes. A trained counsellor or therapist will listen to you talk about your worries before helping you find your own answers to your problems, without any judgement.
Talking to someone in therapy has been found to help with conditions such as depression and anxiety. Counselling can lead to improved self-esteem and self-acceptance as well as increased confidence. Therapy gives you the ability to express and manage your emotions, helping you to be more confident and aware of your capabilities.
There are many different types of therapies and tactics used during counselling. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most used options, as it allows you to recognise your thought processes and behavioural patterns.

Look into Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can help to improve your mental health by using hypnosis to address your fears and change your habits. There are many different types of medical hypnosis, with even more methods for hypnosis.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy may be for you if you want to conquer a certain phobia or introduce healthier habits. Hypnotherapy can help you to quit smoking or lose weight, allowing you to develop better habits. It is also believed to help with health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, and insomnia.
A typical hypnotherapy session will begin with a hypnotherapist leading you into a deeply relaxed state using various techniques. They will then use agreed-upon methods to help you achieve the goals you have set, such as by suggesting to only have five cigarettes instead of ten. They will then gradually bring you out of the trance, helping you to feel refreshed and relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need mental health support or simply want to insert positive practices into your everyday routine, there are a broad variety of methods for improving your mental wellbeing. Remember, there is no shame in reaching out for help to achieve your goals.
Here at The Livewell Syndicate, we offer a wide range of services catered to improving your mental health. Get in touch today and together we can create a bespoke plan to make you feel happier and healthier.