It’s important to take care of yourself and get the most from life. Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships. Below are 5 practical ways to look after your mental health. Anyone can follow this advice. Why not start today?

1. Take care of your body:

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

• Eat nutritious meals.
• Avoid cigarettes.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods.

2. Do something you enjoy:

Try to make time for doing the fun things you enjoy. If you like going for a walk, painting, or a specific TV show, try to set aside time to enjoy yourself. What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself can beat stress.

3. Get plenty of sunlight:

Sunlight is a great source of vitamin -D. It is a really important vitamin for our bodies and our brains. It helps our brains to release chemicals which to improve our moods, like endorphins and serotonin. 30 minutes to two hours a day of sunlight is important.

4. Get help when you need it:

Seeking help is a sign of strength – not weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and can lead to full, rewarding lives. Everyone goes through patches where they don’t feel good as they should.

5. Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument, or become fluent in other languages.

If you have made consistent efforts to improve your mental health and still aren’t functioning optimally at home, work, or in your relationships, it may be time to seek professional help.