These 11 tips can help you to deal more easily with the ups and downs of daily life.
1. Stay active
Activities that raise your heart rate can reduce fatigue and stress. Furthermore, they improve general mood and self-esteem. Ideally, get moving outdoors. Studies show that being active outside – even if just for a short walk – promotes feelings of wellbeing and vitality.
2. Relax
Practising mindfulness, meditation, yoga or performing deep breathing exercises alleviates the physical effects of stress. The goal is not to avoid anxious thoughts, but to be conscious of them and to accept them in a healthy way. Studies have confirmed that better self-awareness – facilitated by relaxation exercises – contributes to maintaining mental health.
3. Limit media exposure
Media overexposure (be it to traditional or social media) as well as exposure to negative news can cause our brain to become worried. It is thus preferable to limit your time of exposure and to choose reliable sources. Also, think of prioritizing content that is aligned with your interests and arouses feelings of wellbeing.
4. Help others and accept outside help (from friends, family, colleagues)
Studies reveal that giving others a helping hand strengthens our mental health. Conversely, it is also very important to respect our own limits and ask for help when we are feeling overwhelmed, worried or tired.
5. Limit consumption of stimulants, drugs and alcohol
During high stress periods, people commonly increase their consumption of substances that seem to “mask” feeling of anxiety. However, it is at all times preferable to avoid overconsuming drugs, alcohol and medicines. Caffeine and psychostimulants can further exacerbate anxiety.
6. Get enough sleep
Several studies establish significant links between health and quality of sleep. Indeed, in addition to influencing our emotions, lack of sleep affects our day-to-day ability to function, and impedes learning as well as concentration.
7. Follow a routine
Although it is crucial to stay in tune with one’s needs, maintaining a routine can contribute positively to mental health, given that it lessens mental fatigue.
8. Do things that are good for you
This can mean undertaking personal projects or simply partaking in less demanding activities that are focused on relaxation (watching a movie, taking a bath, painting, trying out a new recipe, reading and so on).
9. Do not isolate yourself
Whether it is by enjoying activities together, talking on the phone, video calling each other or exchanging written messages, it is important to stay in touch with your loved ones. If you are feeling lonely, you can sign up for activities offered by a community centre near you or do volunteer work – this will allow you to develop friendly relationships.
10. Eat healthfully
An increasing number of studies focus on the links between a healthy diet and good mental health. The following point has been made: eating fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as ensuring a sufficient intake of omega-3s, calcium and vitamin D can contribute to good mental health. Healthy eating habits may even help to prevent certain illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is equally important to hydrate oneself properly. Healthcare professionals recommend drinking 2 to 3 litres of water each day.
11. Have empathy
We have been living in exceptional times for well over one year now. It is normal for us to run the full gamut of emotions. Stress and anxiety can manifest themselves in several ways and with varying degrees of intensity. It is important to be empathetic towards yourself.
For further information, consult your pharmacist-owner affiliated with Accès pharma chez Walmart. Available seven days a week, they can support you if you are worried about your mental health or refer you to the appropriate resources.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and pharmacist-owners affiliated with Accès pharma chez Walmart cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
