Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean just taking care of ourselves physically.
It also means prioritizing mental and emotional health, too.
At Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC), we love providing people with the tools they need to stay active and healthy.
We also know that showing up for yourself in the pool, the gym, or a fitness class is only possible if you’re also taking care of your mental health.
Since June is Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re here to share some tips about how to care for your emotional and mental well-being.
Here are the best ways to prioritize your mental health and live a healthy lifestyle.
Here are the best ways to prioritize your mental health and live a healthy lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Move Your Body
The human body was made for movement.
In fact, our brains and emotions are literally wired to respond to activity.
Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood enhancers. Endorphins can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even pain.
Physical activity also helps to burn off stress hormones, improving sleep and enhancing your mood.
Moving your body can be as simple as going for a walk or a leisurely bike ride.
Of course, we’re big fans of swimming, where the soothing sensation of water provides even more comfort and calm.
Group fitness classes, like the ones offered at RAFC, also offer the added benefit of social engagement as you spend time moving in the company of others.
Get Outdoors
Being in nature is another great way to improve mental health.
Spending all day indoors increases mental fatigue and tension in our bodies.
Once we step into the serenity of nature, however, our minds and bodies relax, increasing pleasure and decreasing stress.
Just being outside helps to decrease anxiety levels, stress, and even helps us sleep better.
Spend a little time reading in the shade, bird watching, or even pack a picnic to enjoy with friends and family.
However you choose to spend time outside, your body – and brain – will thank you.
Prioritize Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to mental health.
Our brains and our bodies need adequate sleep to function correctly.
Sleep helps our brains process and regulate emotions, reducing irritability and improving emotional stability.
The right amount of sleep also helps us make better decisions throughout the day and enhances our problem-solving skills.
A few tips for getting better sleep include:
- Creating a consistent sleep schedule that allows between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.
- Avoid or limit screen time at least an hour before bed.
- Make sure your sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid large meals, alcohol, caffeine, and intense workouts close to bedtime.
- Add gentle stretching to your nighttime routine.
Practice Gratitude
So much stress and anxiety come from anticipation, comparison, and worry.
Practicing gratitude helps shift your mindset away from the negative and into the positive.
Celebrating what you have in the present moment is a wonderful way to boost happiness, optimism, and other positive emotions.
It can also increase self-esteem, improve relationships, and enhance emotional strength, all of which can help improve mental health.
Recognizing the wonderful and positive things in your life is a great way to help yourself feel better.
Fuel Your Body with Intention
Research has shown a distinct correlation between what we eat and how we feel.
Nutrient-rich foods high in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants are critical for a healthy brain and body.
A well-balanced diet can also help reduce inflammation and improve gut health, both of which have positive impacts on mental health.
We’re not suggesting a restrictive diet (cookies can make us happy, too) but rather being intentional about what we eat and the fuel we’re providing for our bodies.
Drink Plenty of Water
Proper hydration is key to physical and mental health.
Drinking enough water helps with focus, concentration, memory, alertness, and energy levels.
It can also contribute to better sleep, improved mood, and reduced stress.
In fact, research has shown that drinking water is associated with a decreased risk of depression and anxiety.
Aim to drink four to six cups of water per day, or more if you have a higher activity level or spend more time in hot weather.
Put Down Your Phone
On average, we spend over four and a half hours per day looking at our phones, many of us scrolling through social media.
However, studies have shown that social media is linked to complicated negative effects on users, including increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Cyberbullying, harassment, social comparison, and exposure to negative content can all greatly impact our mental health.
Additionally, social media can quickly become addictive, leading to feelings of isolation and distress.
Try to minimize mindless scrolling. Instead, use the time to take a walk, read, or try out a new hobby.
Be intentional with the time you spend on social media rather than it becoming an easy habit of addiction.
Talk It Out
Talk therapy is easier to access than ever.
Therapists are trained professionals with the tools to help a person explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, confidential environment.
Whether you prefer to meet in person or securely in a video call, talk therapy can be an incredible resource if you’re struggling mentally or emotionally.
Roughly 59 million people in the United States use talk therapy, and that number increases every day. Sessions may even be covered by your insurance.
To get started with a therapist, check out websites like Talkspace, Better Help, and Headway.
Know You’re Never Alone
If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you aren’t alone.
While it can feel isolating and complicated, there is always someone willing to talk, listen, and help.
If you feel uncomfortable reaching out, remember that asking for help never makes you a burden.
If you need immediate assistance, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support to anyone in emotional distress.
Call or text 988 for help or access a live chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
Find Your Community and Prioritize Your Mental Health at RAFC
Connecting with others is an important part of maintaining your mental health.
At RAFC, our welcoming team and wonderful members have created a community of joy, encouragement, inspiration, and laughter.
If you’re ready to find your community, come into the RAFC. We can’t wait to welcome you and get you started!
