Nearly 1 in 5 Americans had a diagnosable mental health condition and many others are at risk, according to mentalhealth.gov website. For almost 20 years, stress-related issues in the workplace have been on the rise. As our lives get busier and busier, the stress continues to affect our general mental health.
To help you strive for good mental wellness, please consider these tips:
- Practicing deep breathing techniques, the relaxation response, or progressive muscle relaxation are ways to help reduce stress and induce relaxation.
- It is important to set aside time every day to allow yourself to relax and escape the stress of life. Give yourself a private, mini vacation from everything going on around you.
- Moving around and getting the heart rate up causes the body to release endorphins (the body’s feel good hormones). Exercising provides some stress relief.
- Adding humor to a stressful situation can help to lighten the mood.
- Having creative outlets such as listening to music, drawing or hiking, are great ways to relax and relieve stress.
- Sleeping gives the body a chance to rest and repair itself after a long and stressful day so that it is ready to perform another day.
- Eating foods that are good for you not only improve your physical health, but they play a major role in your mental health. Fatty fish, whole grains, lean proteins and leafy greens are some suggested foods to help the body ease stress.
Source: Mental Health Wellness Week, www.mhww.org
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