Mental health checklist
We all don’t know what we know until we know it. How we navigate the in-between moments of each day can have a tremendous impact on our mental health. What are the in-between moments? First, let’s consider the bookends of our day: morning and evening. Then, the space between meetings, work projects, nap time, etc. When we have a loose plan or at least awareness of options for how to maximize these parts of our day, our mind will thank us in the long run. After all, we [mostly] are what we repeatedly do. Here are several examples to consider from a helpful article at The Fatherly (note: these are not just for men):
1. Get Sunlight In Your Eyes Each Morning: light triggers a release of cortisol that jumpstarts your day (tip 1.5: shut off your phone 1 hour before bed to avoid cortisol).
2. Take Cold Showers: a cold shower for ~2 mins stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help increase our stress tolerance, often reducing anxiety.
3. Pay Attention To Your Breathing: research suggests that simple breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 method, tactical breathing, and box breathing increase breath awareness and help people stay present and calm their nervous system.
4. Move Your Body: there is evidence that it only takes about a 15 min workout to trigger a mental boost, and research shows that even 1 min long workouts 3x day, can benefit our health overall.
5. Watch More Comedies: laughter really is the best medicine (besides sleep), and according to research, increases people’s pain tolerance. And when enjoyed in moderation, it can be argued that it’s healthy screen time.
And this list goes on with 10 more tips: Listen to a Podcast, Call or Text a Friend, Keep a Journal, Read Some Inspirational Quotes, Write More Lists, Eat a Little Healthier, Chew Gum, Read a Book Before Bed, Pray, and Smile More.
How much of these practices do you already incorporate and which ones are you now considering?
Read more at: https://www.fatherly.com/.../15-small-ways-improve-mental...
#anchoredmind #counseling #therapy #mentalhealth #checklist #routine #habits
