Mental Health Mothaf**ker

Image courtesy of knowyourmeme.com

Okay bros, we are going to take a different route this week. You have to remember there are a lot of aspects to being healthy. The resources we provide here help you get your body in shape so this week’s blog is going to be about something just as important to keep healthy, your mind.

Now you might say, but Sam, I’m not crazy. I’m not depressed. Why do I have to look after my mental health? To that I would say, have you ever met someone who was too healthy? Exactly. You do not know how much you might need these tips until you try them. So, open your mind.

Mental health is a buzzword right now. News stories talk about mental health in the NFL, mental health of criminals, and mental health of kids. But what can you actually do to improve your own mental health? We’re going to go over four ways you can improve your mental health.

1. Reduce Screen Time

Our lives are filled with demand from friends, family, and work. We are constantly attached to our devices. Not only does this put a strain on our eyes and our thumbs, but it can wear out your brain. Our brains are made to take in information about our environment and help us process it to better survive. If you constantly give your brain information it does not need, stress is going to start to pile up ultimately worsening your mental health. Try turning your phone on silent, put it face down, and find something to do that does not require a screen. I bet the second you walk away from your phone you’re going to feel anxious. That means you’re attached to it and you probably need the space.

2. Drink More Water

This probably seems like a no brainer. Our bodies are mostly water. Water gives life and all life comes from the ocean. But really stop and think, how much water do you drink in a day? Does it even out with the amount of things that dehydrate you? That long list includes, salt, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. The bottom line is that when you are properly hydrated, your brain works better, you will be less irritable, and you will get rid of that lingering headache you’ve had for a week or so. Water is great for mental health.

3. Stop Negative Self Talk

Quick! What was the last thing you said to yourself? Not outloud, in your head. Can you remember? If you can remember was it praising yourself? Was it kind or were you putting yourself down? Little things like this add up over time. Ultimately they form our image of ourselves. Proper mental health involves a combination of physical and mental tasks. If you realize that you do talk down to yourself a lot try to change criticisms with positive statements. “Why did I do that wrong?” becomes “How can I make this better?”

“I’m fat” becomes “I’m going to get in shape”. Saying these things is easy, and it is also the first step in improving physical and mental health.

4. Meditation

We all have that friend who is a little too into his hot yoga class. Probably started wearing a man bun after his third week? Stereotypes like these make it hard to teach meditation. In reality meditation, or mindfulness, is about clearing away the clutter of your mind. The easiest way to do this, is just a simple breathing technique. Sit up straight, close your eye, relax your shoulders, jaw, and tongue. Then you breath in deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your nose. Try to notice things about your breath. As you do that you will probably remember a conversation you had earlier, or something you had to do later. Those are the cluttered thoughts you’re trying to clean up, just for a moment. Try to do this for a a few minutes. It won’t be easy. But, if you practice everyday you will get better. I guarantee you will feel differently after you first try. There is so much research about the benefits of meditation for mental health but the best way to learn is through experience.

I hope you took something away from our short conversation about mental health. If you are having a really hard time and want to talk to a professional, psychologytoday.com can help you find a therapist in your area that takes your insurance. That is all for this week make sure you subscribe to our emails, share this shit, and as always, eat right bro.